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littp://www.arcliive.org/details/ourcentennialpoeOOsmit 



OTJK. 



CENTENNIAL: 



A POEM. 

V, 

. V 

/ /' ■ 

By D. p. Smith, 

OF 3I0rNT VERXON, THE HOME OF WASHINGTON. 



'Ji oomes, it comes! hid ev'ry hard prepare 
91'he song- of triumph, and attend i 



<o 



WASHINGTON, D. C: 

DARBY & DU^'ALL, 

1876. 




11 



T6 2^^^ 



Entered acccrmn. to ,.e AC, o. Cong.e,.. in .he .ea. t87e, .y 
I). P. SMITH, 

j^ r'nnf vess at Washington, t>- tj; 
in Hie Oflice of the Lihranau o. Coneiess a 



TO 

AS A WITNESS OF A LONG AND UNINTERRUPTED 
FRIENDSHIP ; 

AND TO THE JIE3I0RY OF 

AS A TESTIMONIAL OF ISTY FILIAL LOTE, 

THIS LITTLE BOOK IS MOST RESPECTFULLY 

INSCRIBED BY 

The Author. 



6 INVOCATION. 

ISTot that a harp by mortal ting-ers strung-, 
Nor that a voice, save of an angel's tongue. 
Can e'er bestow, tho' for thine aid it pleads, 
The jiraises due to their immortal deeds. 
Yet will I strive, if thou wilt kindly deign 
To cheer my labors and approve the strain, 
To let my notes on tuneful pinions soar, 
And grateful thanks, in lofty numbers pour ! 

They were thy sons ; endow'd by thy bequest, 
Witli all the wealth of thy maternal breast, 
Till each appear'd a living, mo^dng fane, 
Wliere Vu-tue dwelt 'neath Wisdom's constant reign. 
O, aid me, then, and with thy favors crown 
The liarp devoted to thy son's renown ! 

And thou, sweet Muse ! thine ear to me incline, 
As I approach the portals of thy shrine ! 

Behold, I stand, a suppliant at thy door. 
And free admission to thy realms implore ! 
Deny me not, O most trandscendent Maid, 
ISTor frown on me whilst I entreat thine aid. 
To tune my harp, its dormant numbers raise, 
And wreath its strings with thy melodious bays I 
O condescend, thou bright, illustrious power ! 
To smile on me one brief, but brilliant hour ! 
Thy wondrous gift yield to my fervent i3rayer, 
And to thy treasures constitute me heir ! 
Behold my theme I — Since yonder source of light 
From half his reign depos'd the sullen night, 
No mortal's liand, liowever far he sought. 
Has to thy throne an equal olf 'ring brought ; 



INVOCATION. 

Nor ne'er ai^aiii, tlio' for uiiiiiimberM years, 

Roll on the Earth with all it.s liopos and fears. 

Can man prefer within thy brilliant fane, 

A theme so worthy of thy sweetest strain ; 

Since Earth but once, tho' lon<:^ it may remain 

A sparkling orb amid the starry plain, 

Can witness what, sweet Chiefess of tlie Xin(; ! 

I prollcr now at tliy harmonious slirine ! 

O c^cn'rous Muse! whose grateful smiles impart 

To mortal tongues the beauties of thine art, 

Teach mine to sing one brief, melodious laj^, 

In Freedom's Fane, on our Centennial Day I 

O, grant me this ! O, let my song relume 
These hallow'd walls, and then thy gift resinne ; 
For when this night enshrouds our altars round, 
My harp, unstrung, awakes no other sound ! 
By solemn rites, 'tis sacred to this strain, 
And minor themes shall ne'er its strings profane; 
But when yon orb sinks in the distant west, 
^ly harp and I will in sweet silence rest ! 

To Thee I turn, great Author of us all ! 
And for thy Ijlessings on my numbers call ! 
O, heed my prayer : on earth extend my days, 
Till I can sing our noble Fathers' praise ! 
Then take me hence, and in Thy holy sphere, 
Let me embrace those whom I rev'renc*; here; 
Whose spirit forms I daily yearn to see, 
And whom I love, Jehovah ! next to Thee I 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 



I. 



A hundred times, obedient to the Cause 

That rules the orbs by His eternal laws, 

Unerrino-l5^ around the parent sun, 

Our spacious Earth its yearly coarse has run ; 

A hundred times, mail'd in his crystal robe. 

Has Winter ti'iumphed o'er our conquer'd globe, 

Inthrall'd its streams, decreed its blooming meads, 

A grateful prey to his remorseless steeds, 

Wliose fatal breath distills o'er hill and vale. 

Resistless torrents of pellucid hail. 

While from their flanks, on all the realms below, 

The dripping foam descends in fleecy snow ; 

A Iiundred times has ISTature's favorite son, 

Life-giving Spring, the throne from Winter won, 

Stripp'd from his brow, despite his cliilling frown, 

The glitt'ring gems that deck his ic}^ crown, 

Releasing Earth from his despotic reign. 

And mantl'd it in Eden's garb again ; 

A hundred times 'neatli Summer's magic wand, 

Have dormant germs expanded o'er our land, 

Attiring it in ligature's brightest hues. 

That gather tints from heaven's refreshing dews ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 

A hundred times from geirrous Autumn's hoard, 
Have empty garners been with plent}^ stor'd. 
Since from afar, within this hallowed hall. 
Our Fathers' souls replied to Freedom's call. 



II. 



'Tis holy ground ! 'Twas here our matchless Sires 
In others' breasts enkindled sacred tires, 
Wliose beamy rays, o'er earth's remotest clunes, 
Reveal to Justice men and Monarchs' crimes, 
Bring all l)eueath tlie stern, impartial laws. 
That Judge alike tlie khig or suljject's cause ! 
From here upborne on prayer's propitious wings, 
Their souls ascended to the King of kings, 
That He would deign, once more upon our earth, 
To stand the sponser at a nation's birth. 



III. 



These sounding walls, yon sky-sustaining spire. 
That brazen bell — sweet Freedom's miglity lyre. 
Whose iron tongue first spoke the thund'ring tones, 
That startrd kings, and rock'd their firmest thrones, 
Are holy things, come down from other days, 
Eich monuments of our Ancestors' praise ! 
Yes, e'en the ah', so gently entering here. 
Flows from its source in a celestial spliere, 
Exhal'd from hearts whose each pulsation spoke 
A tyrant's doom, and slav'ry's fetters broke. 
So redolent is it with honor's bloom. 
That sweetly flowing fills this spacious room, 



10 OUR CENTENNAIL. 

As on the morn when, gathered in this fane, 
Our fathers' hands o'er monarchs drew the rein. 
Then let the fragrance that our kings respire. 
Pour thro' our breasts hke a refining fire, 
Till, like those hearts, so firm when sorest tried, 
From selfisli dross our own he purified. 



IV. 



Breatlies here the man, at this centennial hour, 
With breast impervious to its quiclv'ning power, 
Who does not feel a patriot's fervor glow 
Witliin his soul, and thro' liis bosom flow? 
If such tliere be — to inspiration dead — 
Go hence, and liide tliy ignominious head, 
Far from the spot wliere stands a nation's fane, 
Nor witli thy breatli this sacred altar stain ! 
But round tliis shrine, witli reverential awe. 
From ev'ry clime, let patriots fondly draw, 
Where spmt forms, responding to our prayer. 
On wings of love, once more to earth repair. 
Descending here to smile approval's meed, 
And in our sight re-sign our country's Deed ! 



V. 



How bless'd are we ! The scenes reveal'd to-day, 
Will, many fold, a life of toil repay ! 
Then render thanks, that we Avere early taught 
To cherish what our Sires so dearly bought ! 
That we o'er it have kept unceasing guard. 
And in their smiles now reap a rich reward ! 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 11 

How thrills each heart, as, bursthig- on our sight, 
We see them earthward still direct their flight, 
To greet their sons, and with their light adorn 
The risino: beams of our Centennial. Morn ! 



VI. 



Behold they come ! — ISTow bow'd be every head ; 
Bent be each knee in rev'rence to the dead. 
Whose souls, regarb'd, are fondly gath'ring round, 
To welcome us on consecrated ground ! 
I hear their tones ! — How lovingly they fall ! 
Their princely forms relume again tliis hall ! 
Turn to yon portal ! — There behold the men 
Whom Virtue's hand crowned with her diadem ! 
Could envy's sting — foul hatred's venom'd dart, 
Inflict its poison in an angePs heart, 
Dissentious strife again might Heaven Jar, 
As once before with a celestial war ; 
But since the time when false ambition's pride 
Betrayed its victims on rebellion's tide, 
That dashed their bark on sin's disastrous shoals,- 
Where np redemption waits despauing souls, 
No breatli of strife disturbs the blissful skies, 
Where worth is measured by impartial eyes — 
All Judge alike at the Eternal's bar. 
And to those brows award the brightest star. 

vn. 

While lost in thought, or wrapt in silent maze^ 
I read tliis question in your wond'ring gaze r 



12 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

^' Were they once men? or do the seraphs deign 

To mingle here with us at Freedom's fane?" 

Yes, they were men — once lab'rers on the earth ; 

From mortal loins, like us, deriv'd their birth ; 

But here I cease ; nor do I further dare 

'The present race with our great Sires compare ; 

So far the sheen of their resplendent deeds. 

The noblest efforts of their sons exceeds — 

So far sm*pass in majesty of soul, 

That ne'er has bow'd to less than God's control. 

VIII. 

As o'er the streets, where golden pavements glow, 

And living streams from founts eternal flow, 

March angel hosts, when their immortal Sire 

Convenes the senate whom His words inspire ; 

So o'er this floor, our Fathers grandlj^ move. 

And inspiration, by each motion, prove. 

Sedately slow, in stately lines they file 

Thro' yonder portal, up the silent aisle. 

Then filled the seat-^ — each spirit where its form, 

A cent'ry past, so sternly brav'd the storm. 

Deep silence reigns, imparting to each face 

The solemn grandeur of celestial grace ; 

But now a form, in Heaven's liv'ry drest. 

With modest meekness, rises o'er the rest. 

And "Let us pray !" vibrates as sweetly here. 

As sounds that guide the journeys of a sphere. 

Their heads are bow'd, their knees in rev'rence bend ; 

Each heart's responses to the words ascend ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 13 

And listen now ! I hear that fervent prayer, 
In solemn cadence, floating thro' the air. 
Just as it did a hundred years Ui^o, 
When it ask'd judgment on our country's foe. 



IX. 



" Gi-eat Source of light, omnipotent and vdse ! 

Let oin- petition to Thy throne arise ! 

Turn not away, but lend a willing ear, 

And our request, with gracious favor, hear ! 

Our wants. O God ! before in words exprest, 

Are known to Thee, for Tliou canst read eacli breast ; 

Yet would we speak, and of Thee humbly crave 

From deadly foes our struggling country save ! 

O scatter them, as once. Thy mighty hand 

Did scatter Israel's, in the Promis'd Land ! 

O'erwhelm them. Lord ! as Thou, on Egypt's coast^ 

Didst overwhelm proud Pharaoh and his host. 

When they, athirst for Jacob's guileless blood, 

Pursu'd Thy people thro' the parted flood ! 

Bh'ss, Thou, these men, who, in Thy holy name, 

Forsook their homes, and to this temple came, 

To off"er up, on Freedom's altar here, 

All things, save honor, mortals most revere ! 

O, grant them light. Great Source of wisdom's rays! 

To safely move thro' legislation's maze, 

That all their deeds may with Thy virtues shine. 

And each attest an origin divine ! 

Be Thou their guide ; with wisdom store their minds ; 

Grant them the love that hearts to duty binds ! 



14 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

=0, saiictif}^, and for tlie eonflict brace 

Eacli. bosom here, by Thy siistaimng- grace, 

That smilmg Peace, returning hei'e again, 

May bless our land ; and Thine the praise ; amen !" 



X. 



"Amen ! amen !" respond from ev'r}" tongue ; 
"Amen! amen!" are by those arc! les rung; 
And as tliey cease, concentred in that few, 
A fearless host arises to our view. 
Stern men are they, with attributes endow'd, 
That lift their souls above tlie common crowd. 
'Gigantic 230wers, like tliose tliat fiercely pour 
Their fiery streams from Etna's molton core, 
!Lie dormant there, quiescent and at rest, 
Within the chambers of each hero's breast ; 
But when arous'd by outrag'd honor's voice, 
'They spring to life, and in their sti'engtli rejoice, 
Move sternly on, resistless as the flames. 
That leave whole cities scarce remember' d names. 



XI. 



N'o clarion's tone, no trumpet's blare inspires 
The ardent bosoms of our fearless Sires ; 
Ko martial strain, no warlike pomp attends, 
'Or to their breasts a transient courage lends ; 
But sternly calm, they .to the conflict move. 
And to our land their heart's devotion prove. 
Sti'ong is the foe, nor is the boasting vain, 
Tliat Phoebus' raj^s ne'er set on his domain ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 15 

For as the steeds, o'er the ethereal waj", 
Iiupel the eliariot of the god of day, 
Theu- blazhig hoofs ne'er cease their silent tread, 
Where Britain's flag shades not a subject's head. 
From tropic climes, where oceans seethe and boil. 
To zones extreme, from whence mankind recoil, 
Tliat bainier waves on ev'ry passing breeze, 
Imperious mistress of remotest seas. 
O'er Afric's sons, who chant the barb'rous song; 
O'er distant Indies' vast and heatlien throng; 
O'er countless isles, that dot the boundless main, 
And o'er the clans that roam Columbia's plain, 
Uplield by steel, and dyed in nations' gore. 
Those fatal folds Pandora's terrors pour ; 
And even here, above those rev'rent heads, 
That frowning flag its balef id curses sheds ; 
But they, unmov'd by tyrants' threats or force, 
Press sternly on o'er duty's rugged course. 

XII. 

Who first will strike ? Who will imperil all, 
By first responding to his countrj^'s call? 
See the reply ! — With more than mortal mien, 
A hero's presence dignifies the scene ! 
Remark that port ! e'en Nature's lib'ral plan 
Bestows such gifts but sparingly on man ; 
Few of our race that manly stature gain. 
And fewer far that polish'd air attain. 
But yonder form, that has such favor won. 
Enshrines the soul of godlike Jefferson; 



16 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

And ere she lent that jewel to the earth, 

She gave a setting that becomes its worth — 

Employ 'd each art of her adorning wand, 

^Vithout reserve, and with a lavish hand. 

And his the pen, subserv'ent to a mind, 

B}^ wisdom's fire to purity refined. 

That trac'd the words destin'd to rock the world, 

Till fii-mest thrones are to theh- bases hurl'd. 

XIII. 

Behold, he comes ! and with his presence brings 
A ]SrATiON's Will — that dread of perjur'd Kings, 
Who see their doom, as on his palace wall. 
The Persian tyrant read his speedy fall. 
Yon lettered page is Freedom's priceless deed. 
Where Nature's riglits to us are guaranteed ; 
By her indorsed, acknowledged by her seal, 
In legal form, from which is no appeal. 
Tho' Kings may strive, and armies round us rise, 
Tliej^ cannot mar the record of th3 skies — 
Imprinted there, they still will brightly glow, 
When comes the fiat, "Time must cease below !" 
Thus Heaven confirms what Fj-eedom's gen 'rous hand 
Confers profuselj^ on our favor'd land ; 
And these the men, to guard it from lier foes, 
The lovely goddess, for their wisdom, chose. 
Most worthy they, of Earth's most wortiiy ones. 
To take tlie charge, and leave it to their sons. 
Witli modest pride, their brows the lionors bear 
Of priceless gifts intrusted to their care ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 17 

They 'trench them round with wisdom from above, 
And build the bulwarks of theu* children's love ! 

XIV. 

TTitli noiseless zeal, famed Monticello's sao-e, 
On yonder altar spreads that brilliant page ; 
In silence done — no words from him betray 
The migiity thoughts that his great bosom sway ; 
But with a mien surpassing mortal grace, 
Among his peers resumes his wonted place. 

But lo ! a form, arising in his stead, 
With rev'rent hand and meekly bended head, 
Takes up the Deed with all the holy awe, 
The Hebrew^ felt when he receiv'd the law. 
On Sinai's top, wrapped in dark vapor's fold, 
Where lightnings gleam'd, and thunders fiercely rolled, 
And in a voice, emotions render low. 
From Thompson's lips the words of Fre^xlom flow, 
Till gatli'ring strength from air's responding tongue, 
From yonder dome the sounds are backward flung : 

XV. 

"When vast events, nurs'd by the potent cause 
Of Nature's just, or man's defective laws, 
Constrain a people to unsheath their steel. 
And to its edge on battle plains appeal. 
That deep respect to distant nations due. 
Demands that they should each inducement view. 
Hence, now before their mighty bar we stand, 
Yet naught but justice from the world demand ! 



18 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Here is our plea — each word of proof survey, 
Then plea and proof in judgment's balance weigh ! 

XVI. 

*' We hold these truths self-e\adent and clear, 
That God first made all men co-equal here ; 
Eudow'd with rights inalienable and strong, 
Which to resign would do the Giver wrong; 
Would M'rong ourselves, would wrong our children, too, 
To whojn those rights, from us, are justly due ! 
The first is life — a mystery most profound, 
Tho' thro' olu* veius its constant pulses bouud ; 
ITet all the art of wisest seer and sage, 
Has ne'er expouuded that mysterious page. 

We know but this ; — Its essence was bestow'd 
In Eden's.bowers, when they were Love's abode, 
33^ liim whose Avords, as with a golden chain, 
Suspend the planets, and tlie skies sustain. 
From sordid dust, by His ouniilic plan, 
In Ills own image, He created man ; 
Yet still the work, tho' cast in Heaven's mold, 
Lay lielpless there, inanimate and cold. 
Until tlie cells within the senseless shrine, 
Inhal'd the spirit of the breath divine-. 
When lo ! a soul to instant life expands. 
And rose majestic from its Maker's hands, 
Eudow'd with grace, so briglit, so lovely, fair, 
Tliat naught, but angels, could with man compare; 
Erect he stood ; with graceful motions mov'd. 
And reason's powers superior birth approved. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 19 

XVII. 

*'The Maker spoke ; — with awe the creature heard 

The solemn import of the saered word : 

* Attend my voice ! — Its lessons comprehend, 

And strict obedience to its teachings lend I 

Thou art, O man I by thy celestial birth, 

Elected I'egent o'er the rest of eartli ; 

Art bless'd with gifts to speechless brutes denied ; 

But as thy knowledge, so wilt thou be tried I 

lieceive control from thy Creator's hand. 

O'er beasts and birds, and over sea and land; 

All these are thine — subservient to thy sway ; 

By instinct taught to fear thee, and obey. 

But mark the Law I and in tliy mem'rys core, 

For future guidance, its instructions store : 

O'er fellow-meiL, or be they high or low, 

No claim hast tliou that IIeav(Mi's records show ; 

And on thy head dire curses thou wilt call, 

If bj'' thy hand thy brother-man shall fall, 

Since life is Mine — an attribute M)'' own. 

To be reclaim'd when I i-ecall the loan!' 

xvin. 

^'Thus, with the breath by Him on man bestow'd, 
To guide his life, He taught him Heaven's code. 
Where love and laws, in harmony combined, 
Portra5^ the wisdom of their Author's mind. 
How strong, yet just ! devoid of emng flaws, 
Like those that mar the wisest human laws ; 



20 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

On tablets grav'd by the Immortars hand. 
They will, unchang'd, with their Promulger stand t 
There men are taught — may all the lesson heed ! — 
If by their hands their fellow-mortals bleed, 
They stand accm*s'd, and at the judgment seat. 
Must bear the doom that to then* crimes is meet- 
Peruse them still, and there, behold, we find 
Exact the limits to our race assign' d; 
Then sturdy, ye, who for instructions yearn, 
And legal wisdom from those pages learn ! 
' Tis plainly writ — you no expounder need ; 
E'en he who runs, can ev'ry statute read; 
Observe them well, while, 'neath this arching dome^ 
"VVe fiu-ther read from I^Tatm-e's marv'lous tome ! 

XIX. 

" 'All men are free — co-equal heirs by bhth, 
To ev'ry boon conferr'd by Heaven on Earth — 
Free as the air, unquestion'd, to pursue 
The llow'ry waj^s that most enchant tlieir vieWy 
Where happiness — of life the end and aim — 
Or pleasure's charms assert their grateful claim I 
But trespass not — ^touch not the rights conferr'd 
On fellow-men, by the Eternal's word ; 
In that ye sin against the Will Divine, 
And stand amerc'd in an unending fine T 

XX. 

" So reads the law, celestial Wisdom drew 
From sources seal'd to man's defective view. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 21 

Who should, with awe, its Author's powers inspU*e, 

Xruide by its rules each motive and desire. 

But since the time when sin our sires betray'd, 

And death's dire curses on our parents laid, 

In ev'ry cUme, have wisest senates found 

By human laws should recreant men be bound. 

Hence, when the acts tliat rule a reahn or state, 

Tho' ao-e commends, and lionor'd in their date. 

Or weak, or wrong, if fail they to secure 

Inherent blessings that to all inure, 

God gave the right — and ne'er His gift withdraws— 

To change the old, or to promulge new laws, 

XXI. 

*' How great the task of statesmen wise and just, 

Who duly weigh tiie value of the trust. 

To whom a land, confiding in their zeal 

Commits each interest of the common weal ! 

Each selfish thought, tho' to the bosom dear, 

Must be dismiss'd, and leave the vision clear 

To shape then- coiu'se by Honor's truthful charts, 

And fathom statutes with impartial hearts. 

With minds impress'd that governments, to thrive, 

Must from the govern'd ev'rj' power derive. 

They guide their bark, Avith skillful liands between 

Despotic gulfs and anarch3''s demesne, 

Yet feel themselves but as the public voice. 

To speak, when told, what is the people's choice. 

lu an}' land, with such instructors blest. 

Will safety reign, and peace become its guest ; 



22 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

There ev'ry man, tho' lowly his estate, 

Before the law, stands equal with the great — 

The mendicant, the pompous millionaire, 

Alilve, for crimes, an equal forfeit share ; 

The one, if wortliy, dines on public alms, 

And filial care his wounded spirit calms ; 

And one, tho' declsi'd in all Golconda's gems. 

If wanthig found, stern judgment's voice condemns. 

Tliere pride of hirtli, tliat foible of the vain. 

The curse of States, of liberty tlie bane. 

May seelv a home, but soon will fade and die, 

Where wortli alone attracts approval's eye. 

XXII. 

"Yet prudent men, averse to war's alarms, 
By virtue mail'd against ambition's cliarms, 
Will long endm*e — the causes calmly view, 
Ere abrogating ancient laws by new. 
But comes the hour, when longer to refrain, 
Witli deep disgrace would men and nations stain,. 
Pollute tlieh' souls, their names witli coward brandy 
And tliey contemn'd by all tlie world would stand* 
Then will they rise — as rise the angry waves. 
That whelm whole navies in unfathom'd graves — 
Against a power, whose puny hand, in vain. 
Applies the curb, or draws subjection's rein. 
They burst their bonds, as from unwonted thrall, 
The untam'd steed bursts from his captive stall. 
Defy restraint, a ceasless battle dare. 
Till perjured monarchs of their thrones despair ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 23 

Oppressoi-s quake, in vain for succor call, 
And firmest kingdoms totter to their fall. 

xxin. 

"The hour has come— wc hear the stern demand- 
When we, in arms, must for our country stand, 
Must with our own enshield her wounded breast. 
Or see her sink degraded and opprest ! 
We choose the first !— The life we from her drew, 
In her defense, is but a motlier's due, 
Wlien round lier form, so fair in filial eyes. 
Foul ravishers, in lustful tln-ongs, arise ! 
W(; liear their threats, we see tlieir gatli'ring hosts, 
From sable ships, descending on tliy coasts ! 
But rest in peace ! — the lives derived from thee, 
On batthi's field, the sacrifice shall be, 
Ere yonder hordes, base instruments of power, 
Shall, by a touch, a single gem deflour ! 

XXIV. 

" The records show— behold them open'd here— 
What fearful crimes against our King appear ! 
'Tis hist'ry's page, where Trutli's impartial pen 
Engraves the deeds of monarclis and of men — 
Before the Avorld, both wortii and vice arrays, 
Kebuking sins with merited dispraise ; 
Extolling wortl), or with a monarch crown' d. 
Or with the lowly, in a cottage found ; 
Condemning vice, tho' seated on a throne. 
Or in a hut, it nurses sins alone. 



24 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

XXV. 

" Year after year, om* King's rapacious hand 
Has lieaped his tythes on our forbearing land — 
On us, who oft upheld his tottering throne, 
Gave leiges' faith, and loved it as our own ! 
But for our love, Avhat is a King's return? 
Our prayers for justice to reject and spurn ! 
And for that faith, what now is oiu' reward? 
The headman's ax, the prison and the cord ! 
His galling bonds witli meekness long we wore; 
In silence long his usurpations bore — 
Bore till forbearance, if yet longer shown. 
Meek Virtue's self would proudly scorn to own! 

XXVI. 

*'That nations round, who people distant climes, 
IMay know the truth — with candor judge his crimes, 
Before their bar we now arraign our king. 
And of his guilt the testimonies bring ! 

Hear ye, the i^roof — 'tis strong as holy writ — 
Which we, with def 'rence, to your com-t submit ! 
Weigh ev'ry word ! — let nations and then- laws 
Decide its merits, and adjudge our cause ! 
We ask but this — we for no favors call ; 
'Let justice reign, altho' the heavens fall!' 

xxvn. 

*' Behold the list ! — Were yon expanding skies 
Papja-ean pages, scarce would they suffice 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 25 

Stern Hist'ry's pen, whereon to briefly trace 
The grievous wrongs inflicted on our race ! 
In luxury nursed, a king supremely vain, 
Assumes dominion o'er this wide domain. 
Where Nature's hand, her bounties to confirm, 
Implanted deeply Freedom's fruitful germ. 
It sprung to life, and foster'd by the free. 
Expanding here, became a spacious tree, 
Wliose gracefifl boughs, in verdant lines array'd, 
O'er weary wanderers cast a grateful shade. 
But, lo ! the sight, celestial eyes admire. 
In his enkindled envy's baleful ire. 
Whose fatal flames, with all their blighting power, 
Remorselessly assail' d our lovely bower ; 
From ev'ry pore the floAving juices drain' d, 
Till djdng trunk and sapless boughs remained. 
When withered thus, oin- fondly cherished tree 
Matur'd no more the fruits of Liberty ; 
Its leaves were sear, its beauties fast decay'd, 
Then to the roots submission's ax was laid I 

XXVIII. 

*' Our senate's laws, that for the public good, 

By wise enactments, on our statutes stood, 

His regal voice, imperious in its tone, 

Annull'd by those it thund'red from his throne — 

Forbidding us, e'en for our own repose — 

When hydra-headed anarchy arose, 

'\Yliose horrid form and pestilential breatli 

Strew'd round oiu' homes the fatal seeds of death — 



26 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

To rear the shield, potential laws oppose 
'Gainst vile sedition and its kindred woes, 
Till ev'ry act, so vital to our weal, 
Received the sanction of his Mngly seal, 
Which oft, alas ! has he refus'd to heed. 
From wanton caprice or rapacious greed. 
Till charter'd rights were yielded to his crown, 
Or lucre's sun dispell' d his angry frown I 

XXIX. 

" Oh ! what a scene must our reluctant hands 
Unvsil to you who people distant lands ! 
We feel the stain of shame's encrimson'd hues, 
Rush o'er our features, and oar brows suffuse, 
While to the world, tho' now his mortal foe. 
Truth forces us oiu' monarch's guilt to show ! 
The son, who claims from pre-historic years, 
Progenitors who then were princes' peers ; 
Whose noble sires, as hist'ry proudly owns. 
Have ably flll'd a thousand regal thrones, 
Forgetting all, regardless of the fame. 
That from such fathers to his keeping came. 
From his high state unblushingly descends 
To barter laws to serve unright'ous ends ! 
In them he deals as thrifty merchants trade ; 
By highest bidders is the pm-chase made ; 
Those who resign then* birth's inherent power. 
Are now receiv'd the f a v' rites of the hour ; 
But vainly they, to 'scape the falling blow. 
Bow tamely do^\^i, and ISTature's gifts forego; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 2T 

Upon their necks, too lute, the victhns feel 

The fatal pressure of his iron heel. 

If traffic fails, and temp'less is the bribe, 

Illegal acts oiir liberty proscribe ; 

If foil'd in these — with manly finnness met, 

He finds his plans by charter' d rights beset, 

Then tyranny discards deception's cloak, 

And openly prepares submission's yoke I 

XXX. 

"By usurp'd powers, in legislation's hall. 
We've seen our senates, by his orders, fall — 
Have seen our land expos'd to civil rage. 
And foreign foes fierce battle 'gainst us wage. 
While, unconcern'd, from his far-distant throne,. 
He view'd the sins his guilty hand had sown ! 
Or if he send, the restless ocean o'er, 
His starv' ling legions to our ravag'd shore. 
They, vulture like, devour our children's bread. 
But shun our foes with most unmanly dread ! 
Yet are we ask'd, for our depleted marts. 
To render thanks with full and grateful hearts; 
And from the foe, with our o'er labor'd blades. 
Defend our country, and protect our aids ! 
Ingrates are we in his imperial eyes, 
If our vex'd souls against such burdens rise I 

XXXI. 

"But deeper wrongs, aim'd at our freedom's base,. 
Truth's mighty pen continues still to trace. 



28 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Read what it writes, ye umpires wise and just, 
Then judge our danger from corruption's lust ! 
IjO ! on tlie seat, once Virtue's cliosen tlirone, 
Vice boldly sits, and claims it for his own ; 
There, ermined forms, construers of the law, 
Whose purity could once the vilest awe, 
Disgrace the garb that wisest sages wore, 
When tliey thro' Britain justice sternly bore. 
Corruption shrank, foul crimes, before their tread, 
Turn'd in dismay, and from their presence fled ; 
Yet Mercy's plea was welcome to then- ears, 
And sternest bosoms soften'd at her tears. 

xxxn. 

" How chang'd the scene ! Where erst, in yonder fane. 
Sweet Mercy temper' d Justice's iron reign, 
A monarcli's will, and lust's alluring gain. 
Veil judge's eyes, and wrested laws sustain ! 
To England's king have they, for England's gold, 
Their faith, their honor and their judgment sold. 
Thus, at one stroke — hy judge and king's decree. 
Sink down the bulwarks of om- liberty ! 

xxxni. 

-" Sustaining this, look o'er our famished land. 
Where, unrestrain'd, roams an insatiate band ; 
Around our homes — whose sweet, domestic ties 
Grow with, om^ growtli till failing mem'ry dies — 
Where poverty with want and care contends, 
Or lib'ral wealth, ease and contentment lends, 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 29 

These human ghouls, obedient to their king, 

Like prowling droves of hungry jackalls, spring. 

They tax our soil, they tax our daily bread ; 

Tlieir tax is levied on our coffin'd dead ; 

They tax our altars, tax our children's birth, 

And doubly tythe all products of the earth ! 

The morning sun scarce gilds the orient skies. 

Ere to their work the lawless plund'rers rise, 

;N'or stay their hands, when 'neath the western main, 

On Ihuning orbs, descends the fiery wain ; 

But cointing night, what they by day forbear. 

Beneath its shadow, they refuse to spare I 

XXXIV. 

" So move his hordes — remonstrance they deride- 
To gild the pomp and feed a monarch's pride, 
Till in our face, o'erclouded dark with cares, 
That demon foul, gaunt famine, daily stares I 
But fearing now — tlie guilty always fear. 
And ever deem stern retribution near — 
That free-born men, sons of illustrious sires, 
Wliose bosoms glow with pure ancestral fires, 
May dare assert, despite a king's decree. 
That Heaven's gifts are to all creatures free. 
His stately fleets, mann'd by unnumber'd hosts, 
Descend, like vultures, on our ravag'd coasts ! 
Throughout our land, on swelling mounts and hills. 
In ev'ry vale that thrifty labor tills. 
Around our hearths — tliose spots to us so dear — • 
In scarlet clouds the ravishers appear I 



;30. OUR CENTENNIAL. 

No spot is safe ; they ev'iy place invade ; 

Vice their delight, foul butchery their trade. 

They wait the beck — this vile, congenial band, 

<0f ev'ry tyther's unrestricted hand ; 

' GrO there !' he says ; they him obey, and lo ! 

That peaceful hearth is drap'd in deepest woe ! 

Its honor'd head is from it rudely torn, 

And, far from friends, across the ocean borne ; 

Arraing'd for naught, unjustly held and tried 

IBy venal judges deep in evil dyed — 

T)eprived of rights — rights once free England boast, 

Now trampled on, if not forever lost ! 

XXXV. 

" Those sacred words, in Magna Charta found, 
That oft have made our joyous j)ulses bound, 
Till thro' om' veins, like torrents uncontroU'd, 
Impet'ously life's purple currents roll'd — 
Those sacred words, so sweet to English ears, 
'Man's tried in Britain only by his peers,' 
Tho' deeply grav'd in that immortal tome, 
Long deem'd the guardian of a Briton's home. 
Are powerless now — decaying with the source. 
That gave them birth, and nurs'd their ancient force, 
Since free-born men — men 'neath a banner born. 
Once we rever'd, but now detest and scorn — 
Without a crime — without a wrongful thought. 
Can to the dungeon, or the ax be brought ! 
A single word, a disapproving nod, 
Consi2:ns our kindred to their merc'less rod — 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 31 

The weak, the strong, the children and the sh'e, 
Fall helpless 'neath his tything minions' ire — 
Torn f)"om their homes, di"ag'g\l o'er tlie seas afar, 
Arraign 'd to plead before a foreign b.a-, 
And then denied, bj^ judges brib'd and bought, 
InJierent rights, for which our Fathers fought ! 

XXXVI. 

*'Here, if injustice and oppi."ession, here, 
Had flx'd the limits of their foul career, 
A feeble hope might still our hearts sustain. 
That rights witheld, would smile on ns again. 
But hope itself, once bndding bright and fair, 
Xow crusli'd and wither'd, jdelds to dark despair ! 
Ouj' brothers die — their loj^al bosoms feel 
The deadly sting of hirelings' murd'rous steel, 
Whose hellish works, corruption's legal heir, 
Alread}^ show the bloody fruits they bear ! 
List to that moan ! — AVliat means that thrilling cry, 
Rebounding here from yon coucavous sky? 
Whence springs that sound ? — It is an eastern gale, 
Whose speedy wings are freighted witli the wail ! 
Of clashing steel they bear the angry tone ; 
Tiiere, fathers weep, and sonless mothers moan ; 
There widows' wails commingle with the tears. 
By orphans shed above tlieir fathers' biers ; 
There, fell our sons, in manhood's earlj' pride ; 
By murd'rous hands have tender husbands died; 
There, fathers bled, and lovers' ardent hearts 
Fed, to repletion, murder's thirst}^ darts ! 



32 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

XXXVII. 

"Yet for such crimes, unjudg'd the authors go, 

Diffushig still prolilic germs of woe, 

While placidly, re warder of the guile. 

Their monarch cheers them with approval's smile. 

Mute is the judge, when we to him appeal, 

His iDcrJur'd lips clos'd by a golden seal; 

Or, if to speak the servile puppet deigns, 

'Tis to increase the rivets in our chains I 

xxxvin. 

" Once, thro' her realm, a Jeffries' bloody reign 
On English justice cast a fatal stain ; 
Then rang the ax, and at the horrid shock, 
In guUtless purple swam the headsman's block, 
Till Death itself, surfeited once with gore, 
The merc'less cat'rer from the slaughter tore. 
A thousand now the tainted ermine wear, 
Each seeming Jeffries' sole and legal heir, 
So fierce their zeal, so ardent their desire 
To win the laurels from their cruel sire. 
His mantle falls, in all its gory hues. 
On men congenial with his bloody views, 
Who scoff at Mercy, and from Justice tear 
The spotless garments she was wont to wear. 
The good, the great, if to unjust decrees. 
They proudly scorn to bend obsequious knees. 
Untried, unheard, are by these catifts doom'd. 
To instant death, or deep in cells entomb'd ! 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 33 

XXXIX. 

*' Can heathen lands, defil'd in Heaven's eyes, 

By barb'rous rites and human sacrifice, 

Or that foul den, the Inquisition's cell. 

Reveal to earth more attributes of Hell, 

Than England's courts, where venal chiefs preside, 

Rewardini*' vice witii hands in purple dy'd — 

Betrajdng trusts, perverting ancient laws, 

That judg'd alike the king and subject's cause ! 

But, lo, the change ! Now dangers round us spring, 

Since legal bounds no more restrain a king, 

Wliose vaulting will, o'erleaping law's control. 

On plnnder'd subjects gluts ambition's soul ! 

XL. 

*' And crowning now tliis pyramid of guilt, 

A tyrant's hands of loyal lieges built. 

His latest deeds — conceptions of a mind. 

Keen greed inspires, and lustful pleasures blind — 

Surpass the rest, complete the horrid pile. 

Whose base is guilt, whose pinnacle is guile ! 

Hypocrisy, a spirit most malign, 

Prepar'd to aid deception's foul design. 

Our monarch cites, a perjur'd witness, here. 

While we with Truth before your bar appear. 

List to the two I their testimonies lay 

In judgment's balance, and their merits weigh ! 

XoAv on the stand his wanton first appears, 
Bedrenching it with simulated tears — 



34 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Diffusing roniid, her counterfeited gi'ief, 

While she, forsworn, pleads for her guilty chief : 

' Behold,' she says, ' ye judges learn'd and just I 

Parental favors trampled in the dust, 

By thankless sons, whom his imperial hands 

Most richly dower'd with these unmeted lands ; 

Bore safely here, o'er N"eptune's per'lous tide, 

In costly fleets, his gen'rons wealth supi)lied ; 

In famine fed, and when around them rose 

The dusky ranks of stealthy, pagan foes, 

His regal arms, extended o'er the waves, 

Heap'd battle-fields with hosts of slaugiitered braves, 

Indulg'd tlieir j^outh, maturer age sustained, 

Till vig'rous strength the base ingrates attained, 

Who now refuse, for such assid'ous care. 

The pond'rous burdens of a sire to share. 

Who lavish'd gifts, unbounded favors show'd. 

And wealth, uncounted and ungrudg'd, bestow'd I 

It is for this, as I attest the skies. 

An ang'red king correction's lash apphes !' 

XLI. 

'•The witness sits ; but rising in her place. 
Resplendent Truth reveals her radiant face, 
Eends from her foe, with dignity serene. 
Presumption's garb that veils the wanton quean ; 
Refutes her words, o'erthrows each specious plea, 
As slmtter'd hulks are swallow'd by the sea : 
'- What mockery !' indignantly she cries, 
'Is this that meets a world's Judicial eyes ! 
They planted here, and foster'd by his hand? 
Oppression drove them from their native land, 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 35 

To seek a home on this iiiiciiltmvd soil, 
Where hirkhig- death giar'd on their daily toil ! 
B3' his indulgence nurtured and sustain'd? 
Thro' his neglect have thej' their manhood gained t 
By him protected in their early dawn ? 
In his defence their swords were nobly drawn, 
When dangers hover'd o'er his tottering tiu'one, 
And met his foes as they would meet their own ! 
But when their toil, by smiling Heaven blest, 
Had savage wilds in golden harvests drest ; 
When o'er the seas swept no impelling gales, 
That were uncourted by their daring sails : 
AVhen coyish wealth pursued o'er all the world, 
Where man had trod, or traffic's wings been furFd, 
O'ercome at last, and sinking in their arms, 
Tiieirtoil requited "with her golden charms. 
An ingrate king, 'neath laws' perverted guise, 
By base exactions, robb'd them of the prize — 
Deputing men, bankrupts in honor tlirice, 
Here, uncontroll'd, to breed and foster vice, 
Whose wanton acts, fruits of dissention's seed. 
So oft have caus'd these loyal hearts to bleed, 
Till they, arous'd, despauing of relief, 
Defy the author of their country's grief ! 
Approv'd the act ! it is a right conferr'd 
By Katiu'e's voice, wiiose edicts ne'er have err'd I' 

XLII. 

" What is his care ? Inquire of fleecy dams, 
What is extended o'er their helpless lambs, 



S6 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

When wolves, impell'd by hunger from their lair, 

Invade the folds, and bleating victims tear ! 

And like the wolves, as merciless as they, 

When round the cote, thej^ nightly seek then* prey^ 

Behold that horde, athirst for human gore, 

From yon tall ships, descending on our shore ! 

Whence have they come ? What pestilential fen 

Exhal'd o'er earth that cloud of savage men? 

Or were they cast from Satm-n's lethal ring, 

Congenial allies of a vicious king? 

List to their words ! rough and uncoutli tliey sound : 

Vile imprecations, more than prayers abound ; 

Their gloating eyes, like some rapacious beast, 

In hox)e already gorge the grateful feast. 

What do they here? Have we e'er injur' d tliem, 

That they om- land to fii'e and sword condemn ? 

XLin. 

"All ! no ; they are but vile machines of war, 

That noble minds, as guilty sins, abhor ! 

Taught from their youth to wield the murd'rous steel, 

Their stony hearts as soon would pity feel ; 

Bred by their prince, like bullocks for the stall, 

They come and go at his imperious call. 

Domestic ties, with soft , refining charms, 

Woo not such spirits to then- soothing arms ; 

For them no homes, save the embattl'd field, 

Expand their portals, or a welcome yield. 

In nation's marts, where blood and wars abound, 

Are Hesse's chattels in abundance found — 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 37 

Are sold and bouo-Ut, as senseless brutes are sold, 
By those whose coffers freest jdeld their gold. 
Survey that scene, and then resistless feel 
Shame's purple blushes o'er yonr features steal, 
That yonder prince, who on his subjects preys. 
Claims men his kindred, and a Idngdom sways ! 
Like boAdne herds, for shambles rear'd and fed. 
His stolid kerns to Europe's marts are led, 
Paraded there, each point and trait extoU'd, 
While stupidly the pageant they behold. 

XLIV. 

" 'Wlio bids? who bids? how mucli each grenadier? 

Who bids ?' exclaims the royal anctioneer ; 

' My goods are sound — robust and steely nerv'd. 

As all avouch wliom they have ever serv'd ; 

Quick to obej% and, what is better far. 

Are didy train'd to all the deeds of war — 

Can sack a town, can massacres enjoy ; 

Can rob and pillage, ravish and destroy ! 

Xo tender throb their stony bosoms swells, 

No crimson blush shame or sensation tells ; 

To these imperv'ous, they have never err'd. 

And Mercy's name by them is yet unheard ! 

Attend, ye kings, who more dominions crave, 
Or would your lieges deeper still enslave ! 
Examine well — the squadrons here review, 
Tliat stand prepar'd your gory work to do. 
Search all the world, and where A\ill you obtain 
Such brawny muscle — yet so little brain ? 



S8 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

They question not, nor right nor wrong they ask, 
Eut at yonr nod, perform the guilty task, 
Be what it may, tlio' blood and rapine best 
Their sullen hate and smiy traits attest !' 

XLV. 

^'Thus, Hesse's lords, a blot on IsTature's face, 
A foul excrescence from the human race. 
In Euroj)e's stalls, his ignorant subjects sold, 
To glut his coffers with ambition's gold. 
And England's king, in sin the prince's peer. 
To his seducements lent a grateful ear ; 
To mercy closing his imperv'ous heart. 
Became a buyer in the Hessian mart, 
And from his navy, like a deluge, pours 
The scum of Cassel on our ravag'd shores; 
Unleashing them, like fiercely thirsting hounds, 
From discipline's half-humanizing bounds. 

XLYI. 

" 'Behold the means !' triumphantly he cries, 

' When restive subjects 'gainst their sov'reigns rise. 

To meet our wants — become unfailing aids. 

And tott'ring thrones upholds on servile blades ! 

My sturd}^ troops, tho' bred to war's alai-ms, 

And duly prizing its salacious charms, 

May spare a foe, since not a few will claim 

A soul may habit e'en a soldier's frame ; 

Some even dare the heresy maintain 

That kings are men, and but by suff'rance reign ; 

There danger lies, and, like a torrent, sheds 

Impending terrors o'er imperial heads. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 39 

When soldiers think, or count of sins the cost, 
One half their worth is to a sov'reig-n lost ; 
And such there are among my legions known. 
Who have, at times, a trace of pity sliown. 
When, lying lielpless 'neath descending steel, 
A conquer'd foeman look'd a mute appeal ; 
And kindred tongues, when thej' for mercy sue, 
Disarm the hlades unsullied honor drew. 
But Hesse's serfs, from servile lin'age sprung, 
B3' no compunctions are rehuk'd or stung ; 
Like huge machines, results of skillful art, 
Eemain inactive, or wlien prompted, start ; 
Crusli all before by the resistless Aveight 
Of brutal force, impell'd by senselss hate. 
Nor can their ears, untutor'd to a sound. 
Save that where thej' and kindred slaves are found, 
Drink mercy's plea — they cannot understand 
The suppliant tongue of tliat invaded land.' 

xLvn. 

"Thus has our king, descendant of the sires, 

Whose banners waved from Je^A^-y's proudest spires, 

Betray'd his trust, our love and faith betray'd, 

And ruthless war on loyal lieges made ! 

But yet woidd we with grateful liearts rejoice. 

If Truth ceas'd noAV her stern, accusing voice. 

But cited here for Justice to attest, 

Slie will not see her evidenc;' supprest ; 

JS'or will her voice, in this tri1)unal fail 

From falsehood's brow to rend deception's veil ; 



40 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Tlio' fetter'd oft, repression is in vain ; 
'Truth crush' d to earth, will brighter rise again.' 
See her arise ! — Integrity and grace 
Diffuse their beauties o'er her radiant face ; 
Proud and erect before the Avorld she stands^ 
Demanding audience hj her heralds^ hands. 
Hear her relate, in words whose fervid zeal 
Glows like the hues of God's resplendent seal, 
What further crimes against a perjui-'d King, 
To heaven's light, her searching voice can bring I 

Lxvm. 

" Struck with a dread, lest Hesse's brutal hordes, 
Tho' ably aided by his Britons' swords. 
Might fail to crush, in the impending strife. 
From Freedom's breast the last remains of life, 
To western wilds, where roam the swarthy clans. 
Whose savage hearts embrace their tempter's plans. 
He turns for aid, and lures them fiercely o'er 
With lavish bribes and promises of gore. 
Should we with brutes these merc'less hordes compare. 
We'd wrong the wolves reposing in their lair. 
Since wiien their maws, tho' greedy as the grave. 
Are gorg'd with blood, thej^ seek their glooming cave ; 
Reposing there in stupid, listless rest, 
Till hunger's call again invades then- breast. 
But these allies — these savage, sin-born bands, 
Who, night and day infest om- border lands, 
Resemble naught — ^iike nothing else appear, 
Exeept the monarch who employs them here. 



OUR CEXTEXNIAL. 41 

Unless our eyes impierce the styg'ian gloom, 
Where deicides curse their eternal doom. 
Nor are we sm-e, were om-s the gift to rend 
The sahle veils that round those gates impend, 
But even there researches would he vain, 
Then- peers, in sin, to find where horrors reign. 
Since deeds, like theirs, can scarcely' owe their force 
To aught less sinful tlian that guilty source. 
May not our minds this fair deduction draw 
That they are those who once defied the Law, 
Unloosed on earth, and for a granted time, 
Allow'd to revel in a flood of crime, 
Indulging Idngs, when they desire to sin, 
Witli ample means perdition's depths to win ; 
And teacliing men a lesson yet unlearn'd — 
From guilty tlu'ones must he such rulers spm-n'd,. 
Or Freedom flies, and gentle Peace expires 
Amid the flames of persecution's fires I 

LXIX. 

"Tm'n to the west ! — Is that the som'ce of day 
Yet lenchng there its beamy evening ray, 
Wliose fervent kiss upon the modest skies. 
Reveals tlieir blushes to terrestrial eyes? 
All ! no ; long since — its daily period run — 
That gorg'ous orb sank 'neath oiu- horizon, 
Where now its beams, thro^^^l from reflecting seas^ 
Eelume the sides at our antipodes ! 

But yonder glow, that gilds remotest stars. 
Till palest orbs outbeam refulgent Mars, 



42 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Proclaims the path where our dread foe appears, 
Diffusmg horrors o'er oiu- drench'd frontiers ! 
Already there, evolving to the skies, 
Our blazing homes, in sable smoke, arise, 
As thick and fast, on cot or stately hall. 
From ruthless hands theliglited torches fall. 
Whose fiery tongues, ascending there, illume. 
With noon's bright splendor, midnight's sable gloom ! 

Already there, rent by the keenest pangs. 
Ten thousand victims writhe within their fangs, 
Whose fearful throes, ere their freed souls depart, 
Would, to the core, dissolve a marble heart ; 
But only serve to add a keener zest 
To their tormentors' hellish song and jest, 
Wlio round the flames — ^like demons romid the pyre, 
Where tortur'd souls, tho' dying, ne'er expu'e — 
With dext'rous hands infernal arts employ, 
And o'er their victims shout their fiendish joy ! 

There cradled babes, unconscious of a foe, 
;Smile sweetly up as falls the fatal blow ; 
Or as a toy, to childhood's vision dear, 
With eager hands, reach fondly for the spear, 
Wliose glitt'ring point, as it the heart impales. 
Shrieks at the deeds, and o'er the victim wails ! 
Yes ! sooner far does the unperv'ous steel 
A touch of pity for the helpless feel, 
Than yonder fiends, who ever cr}'^ for more, 
Tho' to repletion, fill'd with human gore ! 
Their savage minds, adepts in all the arts. 
And evil genius to his heirs imparts, 
Witli ardent zeal, improve what they were taught, 
Until no pang is left by them unsought ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 43 

Each ill its turn, the l!ame>, the withe, the steel, 
Their tortur'd victims, in succession, feel. 
While o'er the horrors grimly they preside. 
Mock ev'ry wail, and ev'ry groan deride ! 



^'Can they be men — from human lin'age sprung? 
Or evil ones from Heaven's escarpment Hung, 
When love's great Author, urg'd to right'ous wrath, 
With retribution swept n^bellion's path"? 
Or can a king, who claims descent from man, 
Kapine and murder for sncli wretches plan — 
Consigning homes, wliere sweet contentment reigns, 
And toiling thrift enjoj^s its honest gains; 
Where laughing babes, around tlie homely hearth, 
Englad fond parents with their Joyous mirth. 
To fire and sword, to pillage and despair. 
Yet dare insult his Maker witli a prayer? 

Has mortal's mind, a gift from bounties' Source, 
Forgot the precepts that His laws enforce. 
That it, unmov'd by Mercy's sacred claims, 
Condemns its kindred to revengeful flames — 
Without remorse, decrees our tender wives 
To yon red demons' ever thirsty knives, 
And yields our sisters' sweetly budding charms 
An offer'd prey into their lustful arms? 



LI. 



"Alas ! 'tis true; defiling half the earth, 
A regal sponsor urges horrors' birth : 



44 OUE CENTENNIAL. 

' Go forth, ' he says, ' your e v'ry art employ ; 
My subjects ravish, torture, and destroy ! 
Go, glut yoLU- rage ! to you I give them o'er ; 
Feast on their limbs, and quaff theu^ purple gore ! 
To flammg piles enchain the captm-'d sires. 
Where faith is lost, and hope itself expires ; 
With helpless babes, lest they should early heir 
The dauntless souls their dying fatliers bear, 
Increase the flames — regard not Mercy's law — 
Or with theii* limbs surfeit the vulture's maw; 
Yom- lustful ire on frantic mothers sate. 
And doom their daughters to an equal fate ! 

Go, unrestrain'd ! unloose your brutal rage ; 
Wrap homes in flames, spare neither sex nor age ! 
"Wliere liamlets stand, and boroughs' bounds unite. 
Let blood and ashes mark their present site , 
Leave blooming fields, where ripenmg harvests wave, 
Or golden sheaves the teaming furrows pave, 
A dreary waste, where ne'er shall verdm^e's hues 
Expand responsive to reviving dews ! 
Let silent death yom- bloody progress trace, 
Till in oblivion sinlis tliis stubborn race. 
Who dare revolt against a monarch's reign, 
Celestial codes and nations' laws sustain I ' 

Ln. 

"While thus along om- western borders wide. 
His rancor flows in an encrimson'd tide. 
Till lucid streams, augmented by the stain, 
To ]3urple torrents, roll tliem to the main. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 45 

Along oiu- coasts, his vengeful navy rides, 

Disgorging armies from its hostile sides. 

Who, to the traits of om- less tutor' d foes. 

Bring all the force that martial skill bestows. 

As locust plagues descend upon the lands. 

Where Cheop's tomb, in matchless grandeur, stands, 

And Nilus, flo^ving from his hidden springs. 

Abundant harvests on his current brings. 

But sees his shores, in one disastrous day. 

Shorn of their wealth, become these spoilers' prey ; 

So, o'er our land, in numbers scarcely less, 

Impell'd and m-g'd by equal greediness. 

From Water's Sire to rough Atlantic's coast, 

In crimson clouds, descends ambition's host ! 

Our cities fall ; their homeless people fly ; 

In blood-leach'd ashes towns and hamlets lie ; 

And fertile fields, once hidden by their store, 

Flame-blacken 'd now, yield sustenance no more I 

Where gen'rous plenty erst rich lux'ries spread, 

Gaimt famine now refuses daily bread ! 

Lin. 

*' Here woudd we cease — in mercj'" to our land, 
Conceal the pictm-e that remains behind. 
Lest we should strain fidl credence's distant ear, 
By painting crimes that hold their revels here. 
Kor should our wrongs raise shame's suffusing hue 
To mantle brows with its empurpling dew, 
To know that he, the author of oiu- woes. 
Respires the ah- that to their organs flows. 



46 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Claims power from Him whose cliariot is the air, 
And to his tlirone prefers a daily jjrayer, 
Insulting' God, profaning ev'ry rite, 
That renders otf 'rings pleasing in his sight, 

But earnest Truth, wliose advocates we are, 
Yet sternlj^ says, ' What I reveal, declare ! 
Ye are my heralds ; lend my voice your aid ; 
Let its full tones earth's utmost bounds pervade I 
Conceal me not in silence's doubtful garb, 
Tho' honest hearts feel shame's degradhig barb I 
Show my true form — I ask no tinsel' d dress ; 
Supreme I stand in simple nakedness ! ' 

Behold again ! Look on this vast array 
Of kuigly guilt her fearless words portray ! 
'Tis nearly done : one fearful chapter more. 
Imprinted deeply in our kindred's gore. 
Completes the list, that even now extends 
Beyond the bounds where human rancor ends ; 
But he, ambitious others to exceed. 
Out-sins them all by still a darker deed ! 

LIY. 

" To launch his fleets, and man his navy's decks, 
Whose hostile keels remotest oceans vex, 
With ruthless hands, unmov'd by tears or prayers. 
Their bravest sons from weeping parents tears ; 
From brother's side is loving brother torn ; 
From frantic wives are noble husbands borne — 
Borne from their homes, from ev'ry right restrain'd, 
Like captur'd felons, fetter'd and enchain'd. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. ^T 

Then lash-enforc'd, but with reluctant wills, 
O'er peaceful lands to roll invasion's ills, 
When thu'st for power and sateless greed of gain 
Witliin a king's unscrup'lous bosom reign, 
Or vengeful u-e, of envy born and bred, 
Bursts fiercely o'er a weaker rival's head. 

But now his wrath, late center'd on his foes, 
With double fury, o'er his subjects glows — 
Spreads like the plague on faithless Egypt pour'd 
B}^ Israel's God, whom Israel's sons ador'd. 
His mighty fleets — that source of Britain's power, 
Whose beaky prores o'er feebler navies lower, 
In haste recalled from conquests far and near, 
Descend on us like vulture o'er the deer. 
That, wounded, mangled, from the hunters fly. 
In glens remote, to suft'er, bleed, and die ; 
And from their decks, fast nearing now our shore, 
Olu- fetter'd sons survey then- country o'er. 



LV. 



" J^ot as the travelers, weary with their toils, 
Nor restless traders, rich w^ith traffic's spoils ; 
Nor fearless w^arriors, crown'd with glory's bays 
By victory's hands and franchis'd nations' praise. 
Whose grateful hearts, their blades releas'd from thrall. 
For choicest blessings on their saviors call ; 
Xor ardent students, who, on distant shores, 
Sought foreign scenes, and gather'd classic stores, 
Where Attic sages earlj^ read the stars. 
And Grecian heroes met impending wars ; 



48 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Where Hector fought against invasion's powers, 
But vainly died defending lUion's towers; 
Where Persia's king, presurapt'ous in his pride, 
Profan'd with chains the Hellespontine tide ; 
Or where the drops a bleeding Savior shed. 
Redeemed the living, and restored tlie dead; 
And seers inspir'd, from Israel's lin'age sprung, 
Salvation preach' d in ev'ry nation's tongue — 
Retiu'n our sons from earth's remotest zones, 
Where glows the sun, or Arctic tempest moans ! 

LVI. 

"But weary days, to all but slaves unkno^\ai, 

Have in the past, on tardy pinions, flown, 

Increasing slowly to uncounted years. 

Till ocean tides are deepen' d by their tears ; 

And every gale that sweep mar'timal skies, 

Owes half its forces to our kindred's sighs. 

Since ruthless fate launch'd them upon the main, 

Far from their homes, l^ut few will see again ! 

Retm-ning now toward the sacred spot, 

Fond memory limns when others are forgot, 

Wliere there freed souls, borne on illusive dreams. 

Have often wander' d by familiar streams, 

Stood on their banks, and 'neath impending boughs, 

At Cupid's shrine re-pledg\l then- early voavs ; 

Or round the hearth, amid domestic charms. 

Met warm embraces from affection's arms, 

Till rudely rous'd by hated martial strains, 

They found themselves still writhing in their chains. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 49 



LVII. 



"'Ah, yes, tliey come ! — Their tearful vision roams 

To catch one glimpse of well remember- d homes ! 

' Tis all they can — they are in l)oii(lage still, 

Fate's daily sport, and slaves of others' will ! 

^Reluctant hands, enforced by blows, must guide 

The floating hells that in onr harbors rid.' ; 

Must wield and train tlie shotted monsler'.- forms, 

Wliose sulph'rons lungs respire metallic storms, 

That sweep our plains, lay towns and hamls^s low. 

And trembling strands, with ruined citii'S stro"\^' ; 

Must still release the ever vengeful, lea*!. 

That strikes, perchance, a father's rev'rent head, 

Impierces breasts that filial ardor fires. 

Or sthigs the liearts fraternal love inspires ! 

Their own are sad — Stung by unuttei'ed woes, 

In silent streams then- bitter anguish flows. 

As they draw near the scenes of earlj^ tl^5^?, 

And from their prisons o'er each featm-e gaze, 

"Wliere they iii youth, untrammel'd by a thought, 

On land and waves their mimic battles fought ; 

Or where thej' chas'd, in recreating plaj', 

The fleeting steeds of truant hours awaj^ ; 

Or in the fane sm-niounting yonder liill, 

From Learning's fount imbib'd tlieir spirits' fill; 

Or 'neath that spire, with awful rev'rence heard 

God's chosen servant preach salvation's word, 

And sat entranc'd while thro' the ambient air, 

Rose sacred anthems, or the fervent prayer ! 

But ne'er again — or not till ceaseless time 

Has robb'd tlicir frames of manhoocV.s Vig'rou3 pi'Lm?^ 



50 OUR CENTENNIAL, 

And hoary age, with his remorseless frown, 
Shall clasp their temples with a silver' d crown — 
Will tJiey retm-n the happy scenes among-. 
Where sanguine youth's tirst aspirations sprung F 

^ow all is dark — no silver lining throws 
Its hopeful beams beneath their cloud of woes ;' 
And they, in vain, with earnest jDraj^-ers demand 
A quick release from Death's reluctant hand I 

LVIII. 

" Can Hist'ry's page, since first her spotless pen 
Began the annals of the deeds of men, 
Reveal such sins, such tiu'pitude unfold, 
As we, stern Truth's interpreters, liave told? 
Scan ev'ry line, each crimson page explore. 
Since sinful Cain imbued his hands in gore ; 
Yet naught is there — tho' guiltless myriads bleed 
To pamper princes, and ambition feed — 
But pales at once, and to a shadow fades. 
Beside the crimes Cimmerian blackness sliades T 
E'en IS'ero's deeds, while sky-aspiring flames 
O'er regal Rome held undisputed claims. 
Dissolving tow'rs, replete witli ancient arts — 
Spoils of a world, glean'd from a tliousan 1 marts — - 
Till thro' the streets, like lava's flaming -\an. 
In fiery streams, the liquid marble ran. 
Swept cots away, thro' pillar'd temples tore, 
And in its front a ruin'd city bore — 
Or Herod's law, and Pharaoli's decree, 
Aim'd at the sons of Israel's pedig-'cCv 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 51 

Were mercy's acts, with mild forbeamuee shine, 
Conipar'd, base Monarcli, with these deeds of thine ! 

The marble fell ; a homeless nation died ; 
Till' Nile and Jordan roUM a purple tide ; 
But torture's pangs, such as our people bear. 
Fell not to Rome nor Jewish infants' share ! 

LIX. 

"Again we cite all nations near or far, 

Before the world's judicial judgment bar, 

Abjuring them by ev'ry solemn rite. 

That renders oaths snpreme in Heaven's sight, 

To testif j% nntrammel'd by a fear, 

Unmov'd by love, in this tribunal here, 

If to the brethern of our father-land, 

We've fail'd in anght fraternal claims demand? 

Tliey answer, ' IS"© ! ' — from every nation's tongue, 

AYhom Truth instructs, this firm response has sprung. 

Full well they Ivuow, for long and weary years, 

Have we unfolded all our hopes and fears ; 

In prophesy, reveal'd the coming hour, 

When vested rights would fall by ursurp'd power. 

Whose clanking chains, like Freedom's funeral knell, 

From Future's echo, on our hearing fell ! 

But they were deaf — our warnings were in vain; 

They were unheard, or heard with cold disdain. 

Our pleading, too, tho' urg'd Avith all the zeal. 

Devoted patriots for their countr}^ feel, 

Fell like the winds that, idl}^ to and fro. 

Come whence they listeth, and unheeded go; 



52 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Or if enforc'd on tlieir reluctant ears, 
Their Idndest answers were incensive jeers ! 

LX. 

"In vain have we, in fii-m, but modest tone, 

Our noble Fathers' early vhtues shown; 

How, in this land — then but a dreary wild, 

Where christian lio-ht nor bloomino- Ceres smil'd, 

Forc'd from the Iiomes their fathers' labor won, 

Whence persecution drove the noble son — 

They sought a sluine no martyr's gore should stain, 

ISTor base proscription's bloodl}" code profane ; 

Enduring toils, privation's direst forms. 

In hunger, thirst and elemental storms ; 

Each hour expos'd to meet the sudden blow. 

By night or day, dealt hy a hidden foe ; 

Yet daring all — displaying in then wills, 

A strength unyielding as yon granite hills, 

To found a state Avhose corner stones should be 

Sweet Freedom, Justice, Peace and Liberty ! 

LXI. 

"Primeval groves, whose fruitful germs were soAvn, 

Where rode the ark above Sorata's cone. 

First sank from sight before our Fathers' blows, 

And in their stead the busy hamlets rose. 

A gen'rous soil, responding to the plow. 

With ample harvests crown' d the laborer's brow; 

Their savage foes, hj love or arms subdued, 

In mild content, then- sjivan sports pursued. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 53 

Their wealth increa>'d, from hamlets cities grew, 
And newer hamlets (iaWy met the \^c^^\ 
Till hill and vale, so late with dangers rife. 
Like Eden's valleys, bloomed with active life. 

Gigantic oaks — ten cent'ries tardj' birth. 
Since first their germs sprung from the mouldy earth — 
Bow down at last, resign their leafy l}ouglis. 
And dormant echoes from their slumbers rouse. 
Their massive bol(^<, beneath artistic steel, 
Are deltly fasliionM for the graceful keel. 
Or justly curv'd, erect the swelling sides 
Of some fleet bark tlie skillful sailor guides. 
Undauntedly with equal faith and ease, 
O'er placid oceans or tempestuous seas ; 
Thro' sombrous nights, witliout a planet's ray, 
As 'neath the glory of resplendent day ; 
Deep fraught with wealth, or luxuries that invite 
The pamperM palate of the Sybarite ; 
Or bearing bread, M'here famine lean and gaunt, 
O'er cot and hall diffuses equal want ; 
Expells the fiend, seats plenty in her idace. 
And blooming healtli imparts to every face. 
Or l)oldly turning her undaunted prow, 
Wliere snows eternal cover nature's brow. 
Pursuing o'er the fast congealing deep — 
Wliere 'neath the frost, imprison'd sni-ges sleep — 
As sleuth-hound on the flying (piarry's trail, 
The unct'ous treasures of the pond'rous whale : 
Or to the tropics bearing Cere's store, 
Then, fraught with spices, hails her port once more. 



54 OUR CENTENNIAL 

LXII. 

^'ISTo cold appals, no barnmo- suns restrain, 

Their infant navy from tlie pathless main ; 

ISTo seas so far but soon tlieh- surface feels 

The rapid progress of their daring- keels ; 

O'er all the earth, spring no impelling gales 

That are uncourted by their snowy sails — 

While to tlie north fair Commerce turns her eyes, 

To see their canvass o'er the billows rise, 

Behold, we hear, borne on a southern breeze, 

They plow the waves at the antipodes ! 

A cent'ry scarce has roll'd into the past, 

Since first they launch'd the rudely shrouded mast, 

And o'er the waves, that to receive it sprung. 

Their daring canvass to the breezes flung ; 

Xow, like the groves, that shadow o'er our glades ; 

Their graceful form earth's ev'ry ocean shades. 

Cajpricious Fortune, tlio' she often frown'd, 
Their noble efforts witli fruition crown'd ; - 
To test their faith, opposing tempests rais'd, 
Wliere vivid lightnings thro' the darkness blaz'd. 
Or swiftl}^ darting from impending clouds. 
With sulph'rous flames inwreath'd the trembling 

shrouds, 
While o'er their decks vindictive surges sprung. 
And thunder's trumpet drown'd the tempest's tongue ; 
. One moment tost until their bending spars, 
Above the vapors, jostle with the stars ; 
Anon descending till their keelson's kiss 
The coral pavement of the deep abj^ss ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 55 

Yet they unawM. invoking >;till the PoM'er, 
Whose cheerino' smile illumes the darkest hour. 
Pursue their coui'se, and by their stern demands, 
Half force the gifts from Fortune's fickle hands ! 

Lxin. 

^'- Thus, they alone, without paternal aid, 
The pond'rous base of future g-reatness laid. 
Then courting Science, as the,y wooed a bride. 
The smiling Goddess with their suit complied. 
Inspir'd by her, whose beauties they ador'd. 
The distant ])lanets' nightl}' paths explor'd ; 
Or from its sphere, where mistj' vapors roll. 
Brought subtle lightning down to their control ; 
Taught it to come submissive to their will. 
And forc'd the terror to siu'cease from ill. 

ISTor have om- Sires in filial dut}' failM. 
When Gallic foes the parent throne assail'd ; 
But to their Idng and to their kindred true. 
In its defense their fearless sabres drew I 
Their tombless bones, bleach'd by dissolving rains, 
Encumber yet a hinidred battle plains. 
Where, side by side, with England's sons they stood, 
And in her cause profusely shed their blood — 
Tliat priceless blood, each drop, of worth untold, 
They freely gave, nor baiter'd it for gold ; 
'Twas their oblation on allegiance's shrine, 
That, unallov'd, flow'd from alVection's mine ! 



56 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

LXIV. 

"But what returns, for tlieii- fniternal aid, 
Have ye, O Britons ! to our Fathers made? 
Your brows, tho' brass, must crimson at the giiile. 
Or sliame herself lias fled your sea-girt isle !. 
For earnest love, undying hate ye send ;. 
For their protection, death to us extend;- 
For their allegiance, ye outlaw their sons, 
AV^hosp loyal blood in purple torrents runs ! 
Our worth}' sires, departing full, of years — 
Tlieir mem'ry yet invades the fount of tears — 
To us, tlieir sons, a lieritage devis'd, 
llie.li in itself — more for the donors prized ; 
BestowM tlieir fleets, their ample acres gave,. 
To yield us bread, or ride on traffic's wave ; 
And what ^ve prize far more than wealth or fame, 
Bec[ueath\l to us a pure, unsullied name. 
Peace, too, they left with all her radiant charms,. 
And blissful Plenty lull'd us in her arms ! 

Xow all is chang'd : — Our land unfallow'd lies; 
Our flaming cities gild occiduous skies : 
Our idle fleets in silent ports decay, 
Or to your navies fall a helpless prey ! 

LXV. 

" To whom, O Britons ! do your kindred owe 

A change so pregnant witli impending woe? 

Whose treach'rous hearts, steel'd 'gainst remorse or 

shame, 
BetiviyM our faith, and scofl"'d at honor's claim ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 57 

Or wlio in ai-ni>, tliat once we ])rou(lly wore, 
Stiiiul now i)i-('p;ii-M to dij) tliciii in our g-oiv? 

Yours are the deeds I — Desii-c of wroni;"fnl <^ains, 
Snps lionor's basis, and its fountain drains — 
Lulls all the senses of uno-rateful souls. 
Save what the genius of their lusts ccsntrols ! 
Your king- decrees — he points to you the way; 
Submissively, like menials, ye obey ! 
Congenial subjects I ready as your chief, 
To heap your cotters with a nation's o-rief. 

LXVI. 

"Oh ! for the time, when o'er your troubled realm, 

Rioiit launch'd liei- bark, with CromM'ell at the lielm !~ 

Dissentious waves befoi'e her canvas fled. 

Or for her keel a traufjuil surface spread. 

Upon her prow, impeH'-l ]jy safety's sails. 

Impartial justice held aloft her scales. 

Wherein was cast, and weigird by equal laws 

A regal client's and a subject's cause ! 

But she was wreck'd, when low the dirgeful knell, 

O'er Cromwell's corse, in solenni cadence, fell; 

Xo worthy son, when he beheld his sire. 

Crushed 1)y disease, at duty's post expire. 

Felt in his breast the spirit of his chief, 

To guide the bark afar from danger's reef. 

She hasted on ; anarchical rocks arose 

On either side, her progress to oppose ; 

Her pilot gone, no hand could longer guide- 

The fated ship o'er the tempestuous tide ; 



68 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Her crew, dismay'd, ignobly tiu'ii'd and fled, 
Despairing- victims of degrading dread. 

Neglected thus — deserted by her friends, 
Beneath the waves the shatter'd bark descends, 
Bat in her stead, o'erfraught with freedom's tears, 
The gaudy ship of monarchy appears ; 
-And on her prow, where Justice yet should stand, 
A frowning king extends his gory hand. 

LXVII. 

"The time was once, when, floating on the breeze, 

"We saw your banner raise the eastern seas, 

Joy fill'd our breasts, our voices Join'd to hail 

The swift arrival of yoiu- welcome sail. 

Like loving sons, whose filial bosoms j^earn 

To greet a parent's long delay'd return, 

In joyous crowds, ere yet you touched the strand, 

Each wave'd a welcome from an earnest hand. 

And, like oui- hearts — affection's purest mine, 

That pour'd, unwi'ought, its wealth on friendship's 

shrine — 
Our conscious doors a cordial greeting rung, 
And back instinctive on their journals" swung. 
The festive board, spread by om- daughters' care, 
Heap'd to repletion, groan'd 'neath gTateful fare; 
To cheer youi- souls, we tax'd the Juicy vine, 
And ample goblets crown'd with ruby wine. 
The banquet o'er, for you was Idndly spread 
The downy softness of the snowy bed. 
Where soothing sleep refresh'd your weary forms, 
Enerv'd by fasting and oppress'd by storms. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 69 

At dawn, aroiis'd from slumbers soft and long. 
By the sweet cadence of our daughters' song, 
jSTew joys unfokled tlieir abundant store, 
Enhanc'd each moment till your stay was o''er. 
Reluctant then, each warm, fraternal heart 
Beheld joiiv navies o'er the waves depart, 
And thanking God, who gi'anted your sojourn, 
Invok'd His blessings on your safe return ! 
But lo, the change I From yonder banner frowns 
Destruction's visage o'er our blazing towns ; 
And those we feasted at the social board. 
Or for whose cheer tlie sparkling nectar pour'd, 
Array 'd in arms, and thirsting for our gore. 
From those same decks invade our pillag'd shore I 

LXVIII. 

"Hence, by the force of that potential clause, 
Self-preservation — first of Nature's laws — 
Instinctively on men and brutes conferr'd, 
When they, by sin, death's forfeiture incurr'd, 
Are we compell'd, but with reluctant hand. 
On battle plains to wield the warrior's brand. 
And with its edge, which else had rusting lain, 
Invaded riglits and broken laws sustain ! 
Henceforth. O Britons ! tlio"" of kindred birth. 
We deal with 3'ou as witli the rest of eartli ! 
Know, from this hour, surcharged witli future's fate, 
Our love no longer struggles with your hate ; 
Repuls'd, contemn'd, its warm aftections die ; 
Your guilty hands dissever'd ev'ry tie. 



60 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

That bomicl oiu- hearts m strong fraternal chains,. 
To Britain's sons, and her once lov'cT domains ! 
But strangers now, and ye, as such, shall find 
Tlie treatment due alilve to all mankind — 
In ]3eace we're friends, hut, tho' we strife abhor,. 
We must, like others, deem you foes in Avar ! 

LXIX. 

"And now, with hearts serenely fii-m and strong. 
Since we are guiltless of a conscious wrong, 
We call on Him whose miglity hand controls 
The countless planets, and Who reads our souls,. 
If aught is there, save Vutue's pure desire, 
Or aught His truth refuses to inspire, 
While we proclaim, and from this hour decree 
Our native land from England's sceptre free !. 
By vested powers, upon our hands conferr'd 
By those for whom he now om* voices heard,. 
We her Absolve on this momentous hom-. 
From all Alleg-iance to an earthlj^ power ! 
To daj^ she stands among the nations round. 
Proud and snpreme, nnfetter'd and unhomid — 
Free as themselves — subjected to no law, 
Save what her sages from then- wisdom di-aw ! 

Lxx: 

*' Hear om- resolves ! — Tlio' Death above us frowns ; 
Tho' cities fall, and iDlunder'd are our towns ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 61 

Tho' fathers die, and brothers' tortur'd frames 
Writhe out tlieir souls amid the pangf ul flames ; 
Yet with the faith, that smil'd at Persia's ire. 
When Jewry's sons Avalk'd tiu-o' the baffled fli-e ; 
Or smote the rocks till, o'er the desert sands, 
Flow'd cooling- streams to Israel's fainting- bands ; 
Or bade the seas, where mortals ne'er had trod, 
Kecede their waves before the prophet's rod, 
AVill we to Him, who punisli'd lust and pride, 
Our cause, our country, and our lives conflde I 
With fearless hearts, once more, in Heaven's sight, 
Om- solemn vows we fervently re-plight ; 
And for our Faith, and what our words alledge, 
We to each other and our country pledge 
What feeble man from Nature's Sire derives — 
Our Foktunes, Sacred Honor, and Our Lives ! '* 

LXXI. 

The voice has ceas'd ; but on vibration's wing, 
Its joyous notes thro' out this chamber ring ; 
Then, wafted up to jon imposing spire. 
Breathe sweetly o'er the strings of Freedom's lyre. 
Rous'd by the touch, the grateful cords awake, 
To speed their flight o'er the ethereal lake ; 
Translucent waves their rapid progress cheer, 
And softly murmur in their chariot's rear. 
To either pole, or o'er the glowing zones, 
On airy wheels, are wing'd the dulcet tones; 
On, on they fly — each moment kindly lends 
Increasing vigor, as their flight extends, 



62 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Till they unite amid the fragrant breeze, 

That gently fans the antipodean seas ; 

Thence, springing up, a struggling nation's prayer^ 

To Heaven's portals, they as swiftly bear ; 

Celestial echoes catch the sweet refrain, 

To waft it fondly to our ears again, 

And as it falls, the glad assurance brings. 

The prayer is heard where Mercy's fountain springs I 

Again repassing upward to the skies. 

In gentle murmurs, fades away and dies, 

Till solemn silence its lost throne regains, 

And o'er this hall, v. ithout a rival, reigns ! 

LXXII. 

Deep thoughts— pure lieges of the silent king, 
To dutj^'s post in ev'ry bosom spring. 
Guard each approach, and with untiring care, 
Keep constant watch o'er treasures garner' d there. 
Would some kind power, propitious in its might, 
Unbar yon portals to our longing sight. 
That we could read, while brief inaction binds 
Corporeal forms, the pages of those minds. 
What wondrous precepts, for the future's guide, 
Could yearning spirits from such founts imbibe ! 
But they, alas ! are to our vision seal'd, 
Or by conjecture scarcely half re veal' d; 
To One alone the attributes pertain 
To search the bosom, or explore the brain. 
Yet may we learn, by closely studying there, 
Instructive lessons from their outward air, 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 63 

Rciiiai-king liow, with many a varying phase, 
Extreme emotion o'er their features plays. 
Observe we, then, while they sit chain'd bj^ thought — 
'Tis all we can — wiiat's to the surface brought : 

LXXIII. 

A nation's Deed, preferr'd by Freedom's hands,. 

Awaits acceptance, and their seal demands ; 

Great is the grant ; its wide unmeted bounds 

Are Tropic suns and Arctic's icy mounds, 

Atlantic's waves. Pacific's placid tide. 

And yonder track, where cars of brightness glide^ 

On Fortune's mood, oft fickle and unwise. 

With equal weight, success or failure lies ; 

Her friendly smile the victor's wreath bestows ; 

But on her frown attend unnumbered woes. 

Tills well they know — it ev'ry mind invades, 

Yet not with fear a single forehead fades ; 

But on each brow, as nearer rolls the storm, 

In triumph sits Determination's form; 

In shape unlike, and drap'd in varying guise, 

Yet still the same, she meets our raptiu-'d eyes. 

Just anger's robe, inwoven with a frown. 

She wears with those who gaze on England's crown^ 

With eager wish to grasp the diadem, 

And crush to atoms what has wounded them. 

From other's eyes, now kindling with her rays. 

Her spirit flashes in a radiant blaze. 

Whose glowing beams dispel reverses' gloom, 

And lend fresh luster to successes' bloom. 



64 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Another change ; and, lo ! o'er many brows 
: Stern energy her fearless form endows 
With bucklers proof against sednction's charms, 
And mail imperv'ous to disaster's arms. 
'Tis sw.cli as these, who, daring adverse fate, 
Like massy pillars, prop a threaten 'd state ; 
Scowl as she maj^, they ne'er from duty II3', 
;]jut battle still, and still her frowns def j' ; 
Devoid of fear, untiring in their zeal, 
.From her decrees unbendingly appeal. 
Till from the strife, reluctant, she withdraws, 
And, half unwilling, abrogates her laws ; 
Or if they fall, when they have fail'd to save, 
-Admiring nations weep above their grave. 

LXXIV. 

One other phase : — A score of eager hands 

Keacli to then- sides to draw" their absent brands. 

'Mid dangers born, to battles long inm-ed. 

Their trustj^ blades have safety's boon secur'd. 

Taught from then- youth, that from two sources flow 

Man's future bliss, his peace and rights below, 

To Heaven first a fervent prayer they send, 

Then for all else on manly strength depend ; 

i^or idly sit in long and vain debates. 

Till hostile legions thunder at their gates. 

But when the trump, tho' sounded from afar, 

Presages perils of imioending war. 

Scarce on their ears vibrates the hoarseful sound, 

.Ere they at duty's j_)ost are alway found. 



J 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 65 

As in his den rlie lion ivurs his head. 
When on his ear lirst breaks invasion's tread, 
Si)rino;s to his feet, each sense to tension strung, 
To learn from whence the welcome warning sprung, 
That bids him stand prepar'd to greet a friend, 
Or from a foe his tawny young defend ; 
Sotliey, undaunted as the forest king, 
With brandished blades, to meet their foeinan spring; 
First in the charge, their steel lirst tastes of gore, 
And in pursuit, their falchions tlame before. 

Alike at home within the council hall. 
Where cares of state for sages' talents call, 
Or where fierce Carnage, on exulting wings. 
O'er shatter'd ranks and routed armies sprhigs, 
To each, in turn, devote, with equal zeal, 
To this their wisdom, and to that their steel. 
'Tis to such men a franchis'd people owe 
A debt that deepens as the centuries flow, 
And ne'er discharg'd, tho' copious as the waves, 
Our gratitude is lavish'd o'er their graves ; 
Each horn- increasing, we can only ow' n 
The boundless debt — not liquidate the loan ; 
But One exists Who can its value weigh, 
Or to the full the vast amount repay ! 

LXXV. 

While thus thro'out the arches of this fane, 
Unbroken silence briefly holds its reign. 
We dimly see, with rev'rence and surprise. 
The grand impulses in their bosoms rise. 



66 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Pure as the rays from lio-lits untainted source, 
That pierce the ether witli their beauiy force, 
They rise and glow until their radiance spreads 
A holy o-randeur o'er their rev' rent heads, 
Brio-ht as the bow suspended in the east, 
AVhen Wisdom spake, and raging floods surceas'd ! 

LXXVI. 

A moment thus : — But now dissolve the spell, 
That lock'd their senses in its noiseless cell ; 
Tlie charm is gone ; they from its thralldom break, 
And ardent statesmen to their duty wake. 

Great Hancock first, liigli tow'ring o'er his peers, 
His graceful stature to our vison rears, 
And from his lips, in copious currents, flow 
Tlie mighty accents Wisdom's gifts bestow. 
Scarce now arriv'd at the allotted age. 
That renders man, by long experience, sage, 
Yet have his w^ords, but more his dauntless deeds. 
Contemning monarchs and their fulsome creeds, 
Upon his form the baleful vision draw^n 
Of those who daily round tlieir ruler fawn ; 
Scan others' acts, however pure and high, 
Thro' the foul medium of an evil eye ; 
Betray the best — without remorse or shame, 
Revile the greatest, and the wise defame ; 
Would to tlie block, obedient to their king 
The noblest spirits of their country bring. 
To gain his smiles, or win salacious ends, 
They scolf at Mercj^, and traduce her friends ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. . 67 

Devoid of honor, strang-ers to its laws, 

Ambition ceases witli a kino-'s applause. 

For this they watch — o'er others act the spy ; 

Insid'ously in ev'ry motive pry, 

Tlieo, right or wrong claim they are first to show 

Where Freedom's hand has arm'd a tyrant's foe. 

LXXVII. 

*' Such," they exclaim — for once they speak the truth — 

*' Is yonder daring and defiant youth, 

Whose fearless soul, rebellion's life and head, 

Has tamer spirits to sedition led ! 

Thy royal throne, whose solid base was laid 

When sank the Saxon "neath Xormandy's blade, 

Since when, immov'd, as age on age has tied. 

It ne'er has trembl'd to a foeman's tread. 

Till now, O King ! like yon unstable leaves. 

The mighty structure to its basis heaves ! 

Thy jewelled crown, which once the Conqueror wore, 

And Richard's blade to Jewry's conquest bore. 

Whose power is felt like an avenging rod, 

Where glides a keel, or mortal foot has trod, 

Contemn'd, defied by those its bounties fed. 

Sits feebly tott'ring on thj^ royal head I 

Thy throne must fall, thy jewel'd glories fade, 

Or that proud spirit be forever laid ! 

For j^ears have we, and in thy princely name, 

Essay'd in vain that daring soul to tame ; 

Bribes first were tried ; they could not him suborn ; 

Threats of thv wrath he deem'd beneath his scorn ; 



68 OUa CENTENNIAL. 

Persuasive words and soft seductive art 
At last were lavish'd on liis stubborn heart. 
But all have fail'd — by no menaces mov'd, 
He has the victor o'er allurements prov'd ; 
And now his voice, in treason's guilty hall, 
Defies thy sceptre, and predicts thy fall ! 
A nation stands enraptured by his tones. 
Whose undulations rock a thousand thrones !" 

LXXVIII. 

"He dies ! he dies ! sedition's leader dies !"■ 

The startled monarch to their words replies ; 

'' There lies my wealth ! let him who strikes the blow. 

That rids my throne of this rebellious foe. 

Repay himself, uncounted and untold, 

From yonder piles of my abundant gold 1 

To this we add, tho' of ignoble blood, 

That vulgar veins transmitted since the flood, 

The knightly stroke of our imperial blade 

Can change tlie basest to the purest grade ; 

And he, henceforth, shall equal England's peers^, 

Whose rank descends from pre-historic years 1 

The sons, ennobled thro' their loyal sire, 

!N'eed not in vain to royal smiles aspire ; 

But long remember'd for their father's worth. 

Of princely favors ne'er shall know the dearth ! 

Who will elect, and for the trivial task, 

■"Xeath regal smiles, henceforth forever bask? 

Let him step forth, our throne's acknowledged gnard^ 

And for his guerdon, claim the vast reward 1'^ 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 69 

Brave Hancock thus, ert,* Yiie'r- yet risiiii^ i^un 
Attaiii'd its noon, had fame hnniortal won. 
By kingly hate, which most pursues the best, 
He, with one peer, exalted o'er the rest, 
The envied lionor of proscription bore. 
Ere he the Senate's g-racefid mantle wore. 
Untold rewards, preferr'd by regal liunds. 
For Hancock's life assert their keen demands ; 
Preferments, too — to him renown and power. 
Whose guilty steel o'erthrows om- country's tower. 

LXXIX. 

But vain they strive ; the lightning of his eyes 
Confounds assassins, and their steel deties ; 
They shrink away, as to his lilthy den. 
The foul hyena flies the haunts of men. 
Their sordid hearts, tho' deaf to Mercy's plea. 
Awed by his strength, from liis stern presence flee ; 
What thej' deny to Pity's softest tear, 
Their stony hearts concede to pallid fear ; 
The boldest quail — they from his arm retire, 
And hopes of conquest in their breasts expire. 
But round his form — as round the statel}' oak. 
Whose lofty top invites the thunder's stroke, 
Frail vines, expanding with returning spring. 
Extend their tendrils, and instinctive cling — 
Atl miring friends, with flrm reliance, press. 
And from his wisdom seek tiieir land's redress. 
Rear'd in the clime where, o'er surrounding bays 
Three sister mounts their modest sununits raise, 



70 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

And cloth'd with powers, conferr'd and seal'd by those 
Who m his care their dearest rights repose, 
Within this fane, w^here Right lier banner rears, 
He stands the center of a nation's peers. 

LXXX. 

As due his fame, here rais'd to honor's throne, 
He guides their councils with a sage's tone ; 
Contiicting rules impartially decides, 
And o'er debates with dignity presides ; 
Or at each turn of legislation's maze, 
His Ciceronian eloquence displays. 
His stately form, cast in the Graces' mold. 
Who from tlieir fav'rites naught of worth withold, 
Stands proudly there, in manhood's early prime, 
The sisters' model, matchless and sublime. 
Unclogg'd by years, no chilling age restrains 
The bounding blood that swells his glowing veins ; 
But like swift streams that thro' our vallej^s glide, 
Flows thro' its channels life's impet'ous tide. 
Majestic tones, like those that ebb'd and flow'd 
Thro' Grecian fanes, when Wisdom there abode, 
Burst forth like trumps on the delighted air. 
And linger long in sweet vibrations there. 

LXXXI. 

"Illustrious Friend ! Respondents to the call 

Of Freedom's voice, when tottering to her fall. 

Momentous truths, in her inspiring name. 

Your thoughts, your souls^ your instant action claim ! 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 71 

Oar couiitiy bleeds ! her life's impm-pled gore, 
In ci'inisoii torrents floods her bosom o'er ; 
Each vehi is pierc'd, her wounded vitals feel 
The fatal sting of fierce invasioiTs steel ! 
Lo I while I speak, commingling with each word, 
Are anguish'd groans witliin this temple heard ! 
From Lexington's now desecrated green, 
Where sangunie mm'der gloats above the scene; 
From reeking Concord's blood-polluted plain. 
Where, side by side, lie sons and fathers slain ; 
From Bunker's heights, adown whose riven sides 
Our slaughtered brothers float on purple tides, 
Rolls to our ears the sad and dirgeful knell, 
That o'er our kindred's bleeding corses fell. 
To meet tlie groans — the soul-impiercing wails. 
Borne on the breeze that fans our western vales. 
Where soulless fiends, urg'd by om* merc'less king, 
From sternest breasts such cries of anguish wring ! 
Behold the light, that deepens e'en the dies. 
Yon source of day has spread o'er eastern skies I 
Beneath those rays that gild celestial domes, 
Sink hoh' altars and our cherish'd homes ; 
Before those flames, while their defenders die, 
Urg'd by aftright, our wives and children fly. 
Chang'd by despair, the lips that ne'er have moved 
To form an accent, save what love ai)prov'd, 
O'erflowing now with passions' rising gall. 
For Heaven's vengeance on their monarch call ! 
And helpless babes, unrous'd bj' the alarms. 
But closely press'd in soft maternal arms, 
Fr(^m mother's breasts, where passion fiercelj' strives, 
Draw hatred in with what sustains tlieir lives, 



72 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Eiig'enderiiig thu;?, and to remotest times, 
Deex3 detestation of a tyrant's crimes ! 

LXXXII. 

"Sliall we, my Friends ! because a prince commands, 

Endm'e such evils longer from his han(]s? 

Sliall we the rights that ^N'ature gives forego, 

Tho' regal hands attempt to deal the blow? 

Forbid it, God ! Hencefortli to Thee alone, 

Will we allegiance or obedience own ! 

Send down Thy spirit, let its touch refine 

Each patriot's soul, and be the glory Thine !' 

To you, whose bosoms with me hourly share 

A countr3^'s sorrow and a nation's care, 

Again I turn, as T have oft before, 

When seeking wisdom, and your aid implore ! 

You will not shrinlv — I read it on your brows ; 

No dastard's voice retracts our plighted vows ; 

They here are trac'd indelible as fate. 

And for your seals' confu-ming power await ! 

Raised by your hands in council halls to lead, 

Be mine the first to sanction Freedom's Deed ; 

It is my right — I claim it as my due ; 

Let him you honor bear the dangers too ; 

And if we fail, as in my station's meed. 

First let my breast our foemen's daggers feed ! " 

Lxxxin. 

Ere to yon dome the fearless accents rise, 
As have his words, his daring hand defies 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 73 

A ni()ii;ircir.s wrath, b}' boldly graviiii^' there 

A name, rever'd where man respires the air. 

" 'Tis clone ! 'tis done !" the ardent patriot cries ; 

''On that, proud Idng ! surfeit your ven<^eful eyes! 

Xo aid from art will your dull vision need. 

Scorn and contempt in Hancock's name to read ! 

Yes. subtle prince ! tho' humble and obscure, 

I spurn your gold — no pardon will endure; 

Let those who sin, for mercy luunbly sue. 

As I of God, but not, base king, from you I 

You have I wrong'd ? Let Heaven's Judge decide 

The cause of strife, and by His verdict bide ! 

You do not dare appeal our suit to Him, 

Who reads our motives, tho' to mortals dim ; 

For well your breast, tho' sear'd to hardness, knows 

I, for long years, submitted to your blows ; 

Sued oft to you in duty's modest strains. 

Beseeching ease from your corroding chains ; 

But what avail tlie pleadings of tlie weak. 

When they redress or mercy from jon seek ? 

Each word of prayer, my humble accents bore, 

Increased the rivets in the chains I wore, 

Till rous'd at last, wlien from my wounded breast, 

Hope fled before the burdens on it prest, 

Urg'd by despair, my fetterM muscles broke 

From my gall'd slioulders your debasing yoke ! 

Then you, alarm'd, lest Freedom's breath should fan 

The ling'ring fires that smoulder'd 'neath your ban, 

Commission'd those who o'er your subjects spj', 

With golden otters, Hancock's soul to buy. 

As he whose home is the tenebrlous shore. 

Where sulph'rous seas and fiery surges roar. 



74 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

In winning guise, and with persuasive arts 
From virtue's path allures unwary hearts, 
So came yoiu- minions, cloaking with a smile 
The putrid body of insidious guile, 
Strew'd golden roses lavislily abroad. 
Lest nauseous odors sliould betray the frauds 
But vain their arts — a monitor within. 
Bade me forbear to toucli tlie gilded sin. 

LXXXIV. 

"To Mercy's source, on whom the just depend, 
Once more to-day uiy fervent thanks ascend, 
That He vouchsafed, in dark temptation's hour^ 
O'er me to cast the egis of His power — 
Taught me, O king, this message to return : 
' I spurn your gold, as I would reptiles spurn !"' 
Struck then, vile craven, with a guilty dread^ 
You offer'd thousands for a subject's head ; 
You tempted men, like blind and senseless moles, 
With murder's sin to clog immortal souls ! 
But should success your vengeful ire attend. 
And your foul minions life's short tenure end, 
Is their's the crime ? Or will it fall, instead, 
O royal Tempter ! on thy regal head ? 
Thine is the sin — it darkens Heaven's scroll ; 
'Tis charged, vile king ! against tliy perjur'd soul ; 
Its dire intent, tho' its fulfillment fail, 
Has clos'd 'gainst thee the gates of Mercy's pale ! 
Did 3^ou, base prince ! whose acts a crown demean, 
That once adorn 'd the temples of a queen, 



I 



OUR CENTENNIAL. / O' 

Whose virgin soul — a bright, immortal gem — 

Bedlmm'cl the jewels of lier diadem. 

Deem all maukind infected witii tlie guile, 

Your reign has cherish'd in Albina's Isle — 

All had their price, and for seducing gold. 

Would sell the riglits tiiey from their Maker hold? 

LXXXV. 

"Mistaken King ! Bright Virtue vet sur\aves, 
But wastes her smiles no more on Britons' lives ! 
She fled your shores, quench'd tliere her vestal fires^ 
When persecution banish'd here our sires. 
She sail'd with them ; her smiles their only cheer ; 
In blinding storms she landed with tliem here ; 
And when fierce want, or dark, relentless foes 
Assail'd their hearths, her presence sooth' d their woes,, 
Sustain'd their hearts, and round affliction's bed, 
Her attributes a holy grandeur shed ; 
Or when the hand of cold, imperious Death, 
By fate's decree, suppress' d their failing breath, 
Their dying heads, descending to their rest. 
Were softly pillow'd on her tender breast ! 
When they were gone — the brave, tlie wise, the good- 
She o'er their sons the constant guardian stood ; 
From mourning hearts remov'd affliction's sting. 
And '-"ope's sweet anthems taught their hearts to sing.. 
Then gently o'er a long neglected road. 
She leads their steps to Wisdom's fam'd abode. 
Whose beamy doors, to welcome Learning's band. 
Instinctively before her touch expand, 



76 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Where, from a fount, o'erflowiiig while thej^ dram, 
They drink deep draughts, and turn to drink again ; 
But still they thirst — one draught demanding more, 
Yet feel no surfeit of the precious lore, 
That nurtures souls, expands immortal minds. 
Dissolves the dross, and ev'ry thought refines ; 
And lips that once the living streams imbibe, 
Are sealed to vice, and loathe temptation's bribe ! 

LXXXVI. 

" As well, O king ! maj^ mortals' puny force 
Aspu'e to change the planets' wonted com^se — 
Bid them approach, and thro' the sunless night, 
Confer on us a brighter beam of light ; 
Or o'er the skies another orbit trace, 
Until their rays are lost in boundless space. 
As you to chain — tho' j^ou may proudly boast 
O'er flaming cities and a ruin'd coast — 
The happy souls that bask in Wisdom's beams, 
Or once have drank from her pellucid streams. 
Inspired by these, above restraint tliej^ soar, 
'Nov bend the knee to earthly idols more ; 
Weigh'd by these scales, your edicts are condemn'd. 
Your bribes rejected, and your threats contemn'd ! 
Taught by my sire the beggar's crust to choose, 
Ere self-respect or public faith I lose. 
Your price is vain — far sooner, life to save. 
From charity would I her pittance crave, 
Yet know that lion or still unsullied shone. 
Than live encircled by a golden zone, 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 77 

But forcVl to feel that I disgrace the name, 
That from my father to my keeping came ! 

LXXXVIIr 

"As for your threats, reserve them, sir, for those 
Who fear to own that they are princes' foes ; 
But for myself, tho' keen as vulture's beak, 
Your ruffians' daggers for my bosom seek, 
The battle's gage,^ before a listed world, 
Is once again to murd'ring menials hurl'd ! 
Let them approach beneatli the glare of day, 
Or spring from ambush on their midnight prey, 
Yet still, in me, your myrmidons shall find 
'No fljing quarry, nor a timid hind ! 
I fear them not ! No threats my soul alarm ; 
I trust in God and my own \'ig'rous arm ; 
Sustain' d by that, and fighting 'neath His eye, 
This orb shall sink ere I from duty fly ! 
And if I fall, 'twill be by His decree, 
But with a fame from all dishonor free ! 

Lxxxvm. 

" My rev'rent sire, in yonder bless'd abode. 

Shall never blush for life on me bestow'd ; 

But when we meet — or long or short the years — 

In that bright realm, above the starry spheres, 

O, let me liearhis joyous voice exclaim, 

'Well done, my son ! and worthy of my name !' 

Degenerate prince I around whom tlatterers fawn. 

And for thy smiles man's attributes impawn. 



78 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Go, rule o'er them, on them yom- lash apply ; 

"They fear your power, and unresisting die ; 

Make them your sl^-es ; they deem your right divine, 

Hence, have no cause, nor will they dare repine ! 

But stay yom^ flight, ambition's pinions fold. 

N^or let their shadow darken Freedom's wold, 

Or you may find the pride of regal wings, 

Shorn hy the steel that from om* scabbards springs ! 

We do not shrink, we are no pheasant crowd. 

That flies the ^i^ilture, tho' he threats aloud ; 

But, like the eagle, plumose prince of ah-. 

We'll meet the conflict, and its dangers dare ! 

LXXXIX. 

" Yom* right di^dne, go, plead wliere ignorance rules, 
Or where expounded in submission's schools ; 
But do not let illusion's idle dreams 
Delude your vision with deceptive beams. 
That here, where Truth her heavenly precepts brought, 
And purer doctrines to her pupils taught. 
Your arrant claims, so spurious and absurd, 
'Gainst iJ^'ature's laws, will be endur'd or heard ! 
I here reply, presumptions Idng I for those 
AVho for their leader your defyer chose ; 
W"e are but one — one spirit and one soul 
Inspires each heart, and animates the whole ! 
Their wounds are mine — each arrow from thy throne, 
Aim'd at their breasts, invades and stings my own ; 
And what my tongue to arrogance replies, 
Ten thousand voices urge to yonder skies ! 



OUR CEXTEXXIAL. 79 

That answer, sire ! is graved upon this scroll, 
Sign'd by this hand, and seal'd with Hancock's soul ! 
Who next, ni}' peers I dare tread the dang-'rous path, 
O'er which impends an angry monarch's wrath? 
It is the road, appealing to tlieir God. 
Earth's greatest heroes have unfalt'riiig trod; 
Yet not alike have been their merits crown'd; 
Successes some, and some reverses found ; 
Tliese freed tlieh- land, like brave, immortal Tell, 
And those, like Wallace, long lamented, fell ! 
Let liim whose soul to equal fame aspires. 
Step fortli to-day, and emulate Ins sires !" 

XC. 

^'Beiiokl tlie man I" These accents, sternly brief, 
Fall from the lips of Monticello's Chief, 
Wliose truthful pen, ^^'itll fearless vigor, wrought 
The wondrous maxims Freedom to him tauglit. 
Tlie vestal Power, wlien for her cause alarm' d, 
Pleas'd witli his zeal, by liis attamments charm'd, 
Preferr'd liis liand. and chose liis miglity pen 
To grave her features on tlie souls of men. 
Tho" few the years that, o'er his noble head. 
Have in the past on time's Heet pinions tied. 
Yet liave tliey left on tliat impressive mind 
What hoary age so often fails to find — 
Endow'd it richly from tlie boundless store, 
Earth's wisest sages left us of their lore, 
Taught it to see, and truthfully forecast 
L)hn Fiuure's plans, by reas'ning from the past. 



80 OUK CENTENNIAL. 

LTpoii his words, as on a rev'rent seer's, 
With hated breath, attend his list'ning peers, 
While f i-om his Hps, that with their miosion glow, 
Pnre wisdom's accents to their senses flow, 
Whose thrilling powers admiring senates awe, 
And weaker sonls within their vortex draw. 

XCI. 

While standing there, expounding Natiu-e's lawSy 
Xo timid fears suggest a moment's pause ; 
But in the van his dauntless breast he bares 
To battle's shafts, or legislative cares. 
Instinctively his vivid powers discern 
What common minds by slow processes learn ; 
But his, at sight, with judgment most profound, 
Eevie^vs the whole at one impulsive bound. 
Thus, when the clouds of dark, ensanguine war, 
Kose o'er the land, he saw them from afar ; 
Small as they were, and slowly moving on, 
Their purple edge scarce dimm'd the horizon, 
Ere to his eye, that well the future read, 
The dismal vapors to the zenith spread ; 
Condensing there, they pour'd a crimson flood 
O'er groaning states, and delug'd them with blood. 
He saw the storm, the distant thunder heift'd. 
That war's red fount to its foul basis stirr'd; 
While gleaming lightnings, to prophetic eyes, 
Flaslrd, unremitting, o'er his country's skies. 
But undismayed, and with a soul serene, 
He calmly moves to battle's bloody scene, 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 81 

Tak(-s lip the gage his boasting foes have thrown, 
And in tlieir faces sternly luirls his own — 
Stamps on that page, immortal now as fame, 
That dread of kings — our Jefferson's great name ! 

XCIl. 

" Beliold the man I'' Again those accents roll, 
In tln-illing measures, from his ardent soul — 
" Who, at thy side, illustrious peer and friend I 
Dare face our foemen to the battle's end ; 
Not only dare, but feel his pulses spring. 
From 3'onder throne to drag a hauglity king, 
Whose vaulting soul would o'er mankind aspire, 
And claim his right descends from Heaven's sh'e ! 

xcni. 

" Since fii'st my mind, emerging from the thrall, 

Weak infancy entails alike on all, 

Beheld with awe, as yet it sees this hour. 

The wondrous works of a superior Power, 

That faithful tongue, my bosom's cherish'd guest, 

Has many lessons on my mind imprest ; 

But one, o'er all, unceasingly has taught, 

And Eeason's voice confirms tlie truthful thought. 

That Xature's God, omnipotent and wise. 

Who form'd the earth, Avith planets gemm'd the skies; 

Yon source of ligiit suspended in its place. 

Gave oceans bounds, allotted seas their space, 



82 ' OUK CENTENNIAL. 

Deck'd vales with flowers, with woods tlie mountains 

draped, 
Eacli insect form'd, and pond'rous mammotlis sliap'd, 
Ke'er meant tliat men, in Heaven's matrice east, 
Heii's to His form, and of His worlvs tlie last, 
Should lii-st emerge on life's appointed sphere. 
Like toiling beasts, enchain'd by slav'rj-'s gear ; 
Xor that a few, hy special favors blest, 
Are born with rights superior to tlie rest — 
Oommission'd liere, vicegerents of the Hand, 
Whose boundless palm encircles sea and land ! 
Such hollow creeds, proud priests and kings sustain, 
May cheat the simple, and delight the vain ; 
But where the beams of Learning once have slione, 
And Reason smiles from her exalted tin-one. 
They droop and die, lilve plants on arid plains, 
Wlien sullen clouds withhold refreshing rains ; 
Or fade and fall, as Summer's leaves are tost 
By Autuinn gales, when sear'd by Autumn's frost ! 

XCIY. 

*' Here they shall fall ! Religion, pm-e and true, 
From Heaven's fount our worthy fathers drew ; 
No priestly craft, nor superstition's guile 
Distm-bs its som-ce, or can its streams defile ; 
But pure as Truth, they thro' our bosoms flow, 
Give zest to life, but render death no foe ! 
As lucid brooks, by hidden springs supplied. 
Thro' grateful meads with silent blessings glide, 
So, to our hearts, from their immortal Source, 
Those sacred streams impart celestial force ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 83 

And where they flow, the claims of priests and kings, 

Are justly weii^hVl as are nnrio-hteous things ; 

Then wanting found, when plac'd in Eeason's scales, 

Nov force, nor pleading their false suit avails; 

Tlio\ for a time, by blood}'- rapine wooed, 

The}' live and revel on congenial food — 

Whole nations ravish 'd, Idngdoms wrapt in flames, 

Deriding Mercy, scofiing Pity's claims, 

Till weary Vengeance, chafing at delay. 

From meek Forbearance madh' breaks away. 

Hangs for a moment o'er the spoilers' path. 

Then on them launches his concentred wrath. 

As in the west, o'er vast and treeless meads, 

Unfetter'd fiends spnr on their flaming steeds. 

Whose blazing hoofs, urg'd by vindictive gales, 

Span, at one bound, the wide prairie vales. 

Outstripping all — the bison's hea\y flight. 

The eagle's wings, the fleetest courser's might. 

And in their track, which late with beauty glow'd. 

Leave naught, save death, to mark their fearful road ; 

:So, when releas'd from long endur'd restraint. 

Keen Vengeance answers to a nation's plaint, 

He bares his blade, descends upon the plain, 

And heaps its surface with unnnmber'd slain, 

Whose puny force, like reeds before the fii'e. 

Is turn'd to dust by his unsparing ire ! 

As they were deaf to Mercy's pleading words, 

When she besought them to restrain their swords, 

So they, in turn, wliile thus they bleed and fall, 

Unheard, unwept, upon her vainly call I 

Such is their fate I Stern lietribution's blade 
la, to ni}' vision, o'er tlieir heads displa}''d — 



84 OUH CENTENNIAL. 

F/en now it falls — I see its edge descend, 
And terror's shadows with its gleamings blend T 
Oiu- foes go down, as fall the Snmmer boughs, 
Before the gale fierce Arctic's breath endows, 
And o'er the mounds that mark unhallow'd graves, 
JSTo tears are shed, save bj^ deception's slaves I 

xcv.. 

"On Freedom's Deed, her leg-al signet stands^ 
That to her heu's she freely grants these, lands — 
Without reserve, from all encumbrance free, 
This wide domain conveys to yon and me ; 
And wlieu we die. with justice will our heirs 
From us demand their patrimonial shares ! 
Shall they, my friends ! when fell disease or age, 
Bids us resign this noble lieritage — 
Shall thej^ I ask, receive it from our hands, 
As is their right, as Nature's law demands — 
From kingly rule and Superstition's creed. 
Alike their spirits and tlieir title freed. 
And o'er our tombs, when resting witli the dead^ 
From griefful founts have filial sorrows shed, 
While grateful hearts their thankful voices raise,. 
In measurM verse to sing their fatliers' praise? 

Or Freedom's gift, reposing on this shrine, 
To tyrant's hands, without a blow, resign, 
And liear our sons, round our unhallow'd urUy 
Our memories curse, as they our ashes spm^n,. 
While purple hues of soul-tlegi^ading shame, 
Sutiuse their features at tlieir fathers' name? 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 85 

Which will ye choose, O Heiis of Freedom's boon ! 
Shall lier bright sun go down at early noon? 
Or shall its beams, reflected from our blades, 
Dispel the cloud that now its brio-htness shades ? 

Now is the time I — This is the place to choose ! 
For jDresent ease will j^ou the future loose ? 
Or Avill your hands j'our falchions sternly draw, 
And trust events to battle's goiy law? 

My choice is made ! — Tho' deprecating war. 
Its blood, its carnage, and its sins abhor. 
Yet thes'e I choose — with cordial welcome greet, 
Ere m}' free soul shall bend at Princes' feet ! " 

XCVI. 

•"Most nobly said I *' — Hear you tliat sentence fall, 
Like Wisdom's accents floating thro' this hall "? 
*'Most nobly saidi " — Again those sounds we hear, 
Drop from the lips of yonder aged seer, 
AVho, slowly rising o'er his ^^eers around, 
Looks Wisdom's self in mortal vestments bound. 
His lofty brow, with ev'ry grace replete. 
The home of knowledge. Learning's chosen seat, 
Unsparing age has garb'd with winter's snow, 
But yet those eyes with summer's ardor glow ; 
His noble form, tho' bow'd by Ava sting tinie. 
Still holds a mind in man's meridian j^rlme. 

O tyrant Time I your hands the strongest tame ; 
You robbM of strength that once atbletle frame ; 
It slowly yields to your unceasing wear. 
Long held at bay, but now beyond repair ! 



86 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

But here your force, insatiate Time ! must stay ;; 

Corporeous powers from liim you stole away ; 

Yet iu that mind your most insid'ous art 

Has ne'er infix'd the languor of its dart ; 

In vain j^ou strive, exhausting each resom'ce^ 

To dim its lustre, or impair its force ; 

It firmly stands — your keenest barh defies, 

And stronger grows as its worn casket dies ! 

'Tis like the gems, that thro' the darkness shine^ 

In the deep chambers of Golconda's mine ; 

Abrasion's wheel but to our sight displays 

Tlie peerless lustre of half-hidden raj^s ; 

So with that mind ; near three score years of wear. 

Augments its vigor as increases care ; 

Its latent light and beaming glory shows, 

Till far and wide, its dazzling splendor glows I 

XC VII . 

Lo ! from her throne, fair Science bending down. 
Adorns his temples with her brightest crown. 
Owns him her son, and with maternal pride, 
Entlirones her fav'rite by her radiant side ; 
Endows his tongue to spread her truths around^ 
And eager nations drink the welcome sound. 
He teaches all — the ignorant, learn' d, and wise^ 
And rends the scales from superstition's eyes ; 
All stand enwrapt in silence and amaze. 
While they, entranc'd, on his attainments gaze. 
E'en Learning's sons, who read remotest skies 
First doubt their senses, then confess surprise^ 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 87 

As with a toy, they see him sjxirt and play 
With vivid lightning's swift and fatal ray, 
That, at his call, from sable clouds descends, 
Obeys his sammons, and his will attends ; 
He gi-asps the bolt, retains it in liis hand. 
Or sends it harmless o'er a grateful land. 

Xo less can he, with varied talents blest, 
In field or hall, the bolts of war arrest. 
Grasp in his liand, tho' weaken'd now by age, 
Oppression's shafts, and tame their tliirst}' rage. 
Or hurl them back, returning blow for blow. 
With baffled weapons of his ablest foe ; 
Nor twice they fail, but launch *d with matchless skill, 
Their second flight attests a master's will ; 
And more athirst, engenderM by delay. 
With keener zest they quaff the purple prey. 

XCVIII. 

As looks the sailor's long experienc'd ej^e 
On wliat directs him 'neath a starless sky. 
When o'er his decks vindictive surges roll, 
And thunder's trnmp reverb'i*ates to the pole ; 
But, nndismayed, serenely he relies 
Upon the guide that ne'er deceiv'd his eyes ; 
Tho' hid from view, faith's trusting vision shows 
Where, still undimm'd, the polar splendor glows ; 
By it he steers his tempest-beaten prore. 
And moors it safely on the destin'd shore ; 
So look his peers, and in the sage they see 
Tlie truthful guide that points to Liberty ; 



88 OUll CENTENNIAL. 

Attend his word; like sons around a sire, 
Inhale his wisdom, and his gifts admire. 

On ev'r}^ face love's warm emotions giow, 
As, with a step sedatelj^ firm and slow. 
That aged form, so rev'rent in its mien. 
Moves calmlv thro' the awe-inspiring scene. 

A propliets shape — such as Jehovah sent 
To warn Ills people of some dire event, 
ImpiMiding o'er tiiem, yet from all conceal'd. 
Till tongues inspir'd the future's page unseal'd ; 
Or when alku'^d by treach'rous sins astraj', 
To guide them back, restor'd to virtue's sway — 
Seems granted us, conmiission'd from on liigli. 
To guard our country as her foes draw nigh, 
So great his age, such long experience seen, 
So warm and true, so earnest, yet serene. 
And manly brov.'s that would, with bitter scorn, 
Disdahi to bend to any monarch born. 
In filial awe, bow to the lioary sage. 
To rev'rence virtue, and respect his age. 

Behold him now I as reacliing yonder shrine, 
Of Heaven's Charter scans eacli brilliant line ; 
Then, with a smile like that whicli sweetl}" beams 
On seraphs' lips, attuned to heavenly themes, 
He grasps the pen, that faithful guardian o'er 
The wondrous wealth of Learning's priceless store, 
And, lilve the power his mighty hand can tame, 
Xow flashes forth immortal Franklix's name. 

XCIX. 

His beaming eyes, diffusing wisdom's grace, 
Are fondly tm'n'd on Monticello's face. 



OUR CENTEXXIAL. 89 

Wliile once ao-ain tlie cadence of that tone 

Encii'cles us witli a nu-lodiou^ zone : 

'•Most nobly said \" This thrice repeated phrase 

His warm approval of his worth displays — 

'■ Tliy words are wise, and Reason's signet bear ; 

Thy toniiiie hatli spoken what my thonghts declare ! 

O. that thy voice, so eloquent and clear, 

Could i)ierce the ])ortals of each mortaTsear I 

How they would thrill responsive to the sound, 

And dormaut liearts with new pulsations bound ! 

O. may the winds, swift messengers of air, 

Truth's mighty notes to distant nations bear, 

Or to tlieir car — as they, in time, will bring — 

Impress the speed of ligiitning's rapid wing, 

Olide thro' the vales, above the mountains soar. 

Make earth's deep caverns glad responses pom- ; 

Then, as the sounds o'er startled kingdoms roll, 

Reverberated from each patriot's soul. 

From tyrants' hands, unnerv'd bj' palsying fear, 

Shall power depart, and sceptres disappear ; 

Imperial crowns from regal temples fly, 

And flrmest thrones in shatter'd frUo-ments lie ! 



C. 



*' My days are short I — the years alloted man, 
Have roll'd around and dwindled to a span 
Since first my eyes, exi^anding to the light. 
Earth's gorgeous beauties hail'd with fond deliglit ; 
Or gaz'd with awe. that yet my spirit owns, 
On distant orbs I deem'd the angels" tlirones ! 



yU OUR CE^TEIMiN'iAU 

Already now, upon mj^ aged breast, 
I feel the clods of j^onder valley prest ; 
My breath is weak, my feeble steps sustain 
This wasted form, with weariness and pain ; 
But while I live, ere mhigling with the dust, 
Let me, O God ! discharge ray countrj^'s trust I 
To aid her cause, what vigor time has left, 
The little strength that age has not bereft, 
The talents few, which He who rules above, 
Vouchsaf'd His servant in His boundless love, 
I, in this hall, on this momentous day, 
A feeble oft'" ring on her altar lay I 
Receive them all, dear country of my birth I 
To loj^al hearts the lioliest spot of earth — 
Command my few remaining j^ears or days. 
And with his soul thy Franklin thee obeys ! 



CI. 



" One moment yet, illustrious friends and peers I 
Let Franklin's tones pervade attentive ears ! 
O, hear my words ! — I this indulgence crave — 
And deem a voice is counseling from the grave I 
Tliat inward power, eacli bosom's special guest, 
I fully trust, is with this truth imprest : 
That ne'er before, since in their airy sphere. 
The countless orbs began their fleet career, 
On human strength liave equal bm'dens weigh'd. 
As are to-day upon tliis council laid 1 

E'en Future's eye, tliatlong has studied o'er. 
If here repuls'd, what ages have in -store. 



OUR ce:s'texnial. 91 

Pained at the siglit, suft'ii-M ^vitli l)itter g'l'iefy 
For once turns back, imploring- for relief I 

Just at her feet, a chasm deep ajld wide,. 
Yawns like the gulf where rolls the Srygian tide,. 
And on the verge of its f;i.st-crum.l>ling w;dls, 
Siie trembling stands, and for redemption calls !. 
Her hopes, oft raisM but only to-be lost, 
On expectation's boiling snrge are tost ;. 
ForcM here and there, repidsed from other shores^ 
For aid from yon their mother now implores; 
To yon she turns, confiding in yonr zeal, 
And to yonr love prefers a mute appeal I 

Pleads she in vain? — must she go o'er the verge,. 
While you. umnovM. sit listening to her dirge? 
Or will you rise, and witii the Rights of Man, 
The fearful chasm, for her passage span ? 



CII. 



"The Rights of ]Man! — Concise as is the plirassj. 

There Happiness concenters all her rays ; 

And where they beam, tho' sterile be the soil, 

Their gentle radiance lightens labor's toil I 

Then look abroad, o'er this prolific land. 

Scarce yet. by art, redeem'd from nature's hand,. 

Where Ceres' gifts, almost by man unniask'd, 

A hundred fold repay the laborer's task ; 

Where lucid skies reflect the teeming plains, 

Or shower rich blessings in their shiicy rains;. 

Exempt, alilve, from Arctic'schilling breath, 

Or tropic suns, engend'rlng pain and death. 



92 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

But kindly plac'd by ISTature's hands between, 
Our favor'd land enjoys the golden mean ! 

Naught now remains, since ISTature naught denies, 
That her great store, replete with wealth, supplies. 
Save what stern Justice claims a countr3^'s due. 
And tliat devolves, illustrious Peers, on you ! 
Will you, the sons of this inspiring clime, 
Wliere man regains what was Iiis early prime — 
Undwarf'd by cold, unweaken'd by the sun. 
He here appears as wlien liis race begun ; 
Nurs'd by tlie air, wliere mingled lieat and cold, 
By mutual force, a just equil'brium liold. 
His mind expands congenial to a frame, 
.^o toil represses and no dangers tame — 
Will you, I ask, bend meekly to the blow, 
/Shrink from your dutj', and such gifts forego? 
Or, armM with Faith, by Virtue cheer'd and led. 
O'er Future's hopes Right's mighty egis spread? 
I choose the last I — Come life, come death, come woe, 
I live or die confronthig Freedom's foe !" 

cni. 

The hoary seer, crown'd with his weight of years, 
Bends like a father, to his younger peers ; 
Then, a,j he came, sedately he retires, 
The rev'rent mentor of a nation's sires. 

A hundred eyes, sm'charg'd with tilial tears, 
Reveal affection, yet betray their fears. 
That envious death, leagued with unsparing age, 
!May from their council snatch the lion or' d sage, 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 93^ 

Depriving tliem of his exhaustless store 

Of Eeasoii's treasures, coiiiM from Wisdom's ore. 

Each liead is bow'd, each heart, in silent prayer, 
Best^echrs God tliat He the seer will spare, 
Till gentle Peace, restor'd by Franklin's might, 
Thro' battle's haze shall beam her cheerful light. 

To loose him now, when, darkling o'er tlieir skies,. 
War's vengeful clouds with direful threatnings rise,. 
Their filial hearts the fatal truth confess, 
Would double danger, and impair success. 
Bereft of iiim, they feel but half prepar'd 
To meet the dangers he .so long has shar'd — 
Xot only shar'd, but ever in the van. 
When usurp'd powers assaiPd the rights of man. 
Hence, all on him, next to their heavenly Friend, 
Kely for guidance, and for aid depend. 
By spu-it wings their prayers are borne on high ; 
Upon their cheeks the tears are left to dry ; 
Tho.se drops are sacred, and no hands profane ; 
But, jewel like, tiiey, sparkling there, remain, 
Till Heaven's breath restores each hol}'^ gem 
Back to its place in Virtue's diadem. 
A moment thus; but as each mute amen 
Greets Mercy's i)ortals, they arouse again ; 
For to each heart an answering spirit bears 
The sweet assm-ance of accepted prayers. 

CIV. 

Inspir'd by this, by this indued with zeal. 
That only Patriots' ardent bosoms feel, 



:94 O-UH CENTEi^^J^flAL. 

Behold two heroes, armor'd for tiie fraj', 
To yonder altai' urge theh" eag'er ^vay. 
Within their veins, commingiing- with the blood, 
l^aught that is vile, has tinctur'd since the Flood 
Unclogg^d by fear, tlie martial spirit I'uns, 
That warms the breasts of Massacluisetts' sons; 
Born on her soil, and nurs'd amid her liUls, 
A filial love their loyal bosoms thrills. 
In name the same — one lightly touch' d by time, 
And one in manhood's j^et meridian prime ; 
But both endowed with that superior grace, 
Worn only by the bravest of our race. 
"To the ag'd seer they ardently succeed, 
A gallant pair, and worthy Hancock's lead. 
The elder speaks, and o'er this silent hall, 
Defiant tones, in measur'd sternness, fall: 

€V. 

■^'Tho' distant far, yet borne on Freedom's breeze, 

My voice, O king ! shall reach you o'er the seas ! 

Xot as before, when my dear country bled, 

It sued for justice, then for mercy plead; 

But deeply chang'd shall be the filial tone, 

That oft preferr'd petition to thj' throne ; 

It now, in full, to your unwilling ears, 

Shall liquidate its long o'er-due arrears ! 

Out-law'd by you, that I presum'd to ask 

A slight remission from taxation's task. 

It ne'er again will condescend to sue. 

But sternly claim my country's rightful due ! 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 95 

If now denied, we make but two demands. 
The first in words, tlie second with our brands ! 
Me have you mark'd, a subject for your hate, 
Because I spealv wliat Nature's laws dictate ; 
But do not deem that tlireats or golden chains 
Can fetter one who both alike disdains ! 

CVI. 

*' With Hancock here, I'm lionor'd o'er the rest; 
By kingly curses most supremely blest ; 
Then let them fall, their fury on me pour — 
The only favor I of j'ou implore — 
Since each, your lips on me profanely shed. 
Rebounds to wound the author's guilty head ! 

* Flagitious crimes,' — tis thus your record stands — 
Precludes all pardon from your regal hands ; 
And 'all good subjects,' by your foul decree, 
Are spurr'd by bribes to murder him and me ! 
But here, proud king I allow me to arrange 
Your bloody edict, and its wording change : 
For 'all good subjects,' foul assassins read. 
Since none, but such, would court tlie cowardly deed 
Again, base prince ! in your vindictive chimes. 
Let duty's name supplant ' flagitious crimes ; ' 
Stern Ilist'ry's pen, in rend'ring her award, 
"Will so decide, and thus the charge record ! 

Your vengeful threats, tho' nrg'd by all the rage 
Vindictive passions in their cause engage. 
Like idle winds round some imperv'ous tower, 
On me in vain exert their baffled power ; 



96 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

I mock their force — secure in Freedom's mail, 
Yom" shafts fall harmless and your daggers fail ! 

Draw round your throne the sin-begotten hordes. 
Who sell their souls, and prostitute their swords; 
Exhaust all means inventive guilt supplies ; 
Enlist the fiends, and bid them 'gainst me rise, 
Then hurl them on, and if recoil my soul. 
May Adams' name be rased from honor's roll I 

CVII. 

"Your pardon, sir, hold in reserve for those 
Who fear your lash, and bleed beneath its blows ; 
Since when I sin, 'tis to a higher shrine — 
Pure, undefird, and not corrupt like thine — 
Tlie only soui'ce whtnice full remissions How, 
That my petitions for redemption go ! 

At that great bar, when comes the judgment day^ 
Will I our cause before our Maker lay — 
Will there appear, and truthful witness bear 
Of thy transgressions long recorded there ! 
A nation's soul, yet dripping witli the gore. 
Its countless wounds, in smoking torrents pour. 
Will there confront thee, and from Heaven's hand 
Stern retribution for its wrongs demand ! 

Take not, prond king ! this unction to thy soul,. 
That bribes oi threats that holy court control ; 
Nor that thy plea, tho' by the angels brought. 
Deceives a Judge who reads our inmost tliought ; 
But causes there, are on their merits tried, 
And Wisdom's lips impartial laws decide ! 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 97 

Till then, vile prince ! may shame my portion be, 
If I e'er bow a servile liead to thee ! " 

CVIU. 

He ceases now, but ere the wings of air 
To yonder dome the closing accents bear, 
His ready hand the soul's behests obej^s. 
And Freedom's tablets with his signet blaze. 
His 5'ounger peer, the Graces' fav'rite heir. 
With modest raein assumes the pond'rous care, 
Devolved on those deputed to sustain 
An outrag'd people, and a king arraign. 
But he, unbent beneath the burden's Aveiglit, 
Stays not to question, nor the cause debate, 
But carves a name, which since tliat hour has stood 
A synonym for all that's great and good. 
Then looking up to blessing's boundless Source, 
This prayer prefers with faith's inspiring force : 

crx. 

"All seeing Power ! Who lendest orbs their rays, 
And hast to man reveal 'd Salvation's ways : 
Whose blessings come, as fall the grateful dews. 
By my weak voice, to Thee a nation sues ! 
O, heed oin* prayer, as Thou was wont to heed 
The voice of him who did Thy people lead 
Thro' watery gulfs, and o'er the trackless sand. 
To praise Thy mercies in the Promis'd Land ! 

To Thee we turn, as did our noble sires. 
When on these shores they kindled Freedom's fires, 



98 - OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Whose radiant beams, difFusiiig Christian light, 
Impierc'd tlie gioom of superstition's night, 
Dispers'd the clouds, and "with their place supplied 
The holj^ truths that are thy cliildren's guide. 

From dreary wilds, encompass'd by their foes, 
With trusting faith, to Thee their prayers arose. 
Imploring Thee, that to each feeble heart, 
Thou would'st a portion of Thy strength impart ! 

And Thou, O God ! Who art forever near 
To those Thou lovest, didst their voices hear. 
And leaning down from Thy celestial throne. 
Didst, to their spirits, make Thy presence known, 
W^hose marv'lous grace, when tempests rag'd around, 
To joyous anthems turn'd the fearful sound ! 
Thou wast with them, and chang'd to liol}^ raj^s 
The ghastly light of famine's baleful gaze ; 
And Thou wast there, sustaining ev'ry soul. 
When midnight foes around their couches stole ! 

Upheld by Thee, and cherish'd by Tlij^ care, 
They dangei's met, as Thine would only dare, 
Till from Thj^ throne, invested bj^ Thy name, 
To cite them there, the welcome courier came ; 
Then praising Thee for countless blessings here, 
Their grateful souls ascended to Thy sphere. 
Commending us, their children, and their land, 
Into the keeping of Thy righteous hand ! 

Great Father ! now, when o'er our ambient skies 
War's crimson clouds portentously arise. 
Be Thou with us, and as om- sires of old, 
Beheld Thj- grace, let us, their sons, behold ! 
Direct our acts — our minds, our motives guide, 
And with Thj^ judgment teach us to decide ! 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 99 

One more request. O most indulgent Kinof! 
Permit Thy servant to the Throne to brino; : 
If 'tis Thy will, may Time's imceasin^^ wings 
Shed o'er rny brow j'et fifty blooming Springs, 
That Freedom's boughs, expanding o'er our land, 
Ma}'' offer fruitage to my grateful hand I 

Bi^t yet, O God ! if I in this have err'd. ' . 

Refuse my prayer, noi- be its purport heard ; 
But gi'ant me this ; Wliile here Thy servant stays, 
Be it long j^ears, or be it transient days. 
Teach me, submissive as Thy only Son, 
To say 'Thy will, not mine, O Lord, be done ! ' " 

ex. 

From fervent hearts, that with their ardor glow, 
Responses spring and thro' this chamber flow ; 
And while the tones yet linger on our ears. 
At yonder slnine, heroic Paine appears ; 
Close by his side, and rivalling him in fame. 
Undaunted Gerry graves his cherish'd name. 
Both noble men — ripe students of the schools. 
Where Natm*e's voice expounds her Father's rules, 
Points out to man, and prints upon his mind 
The rights, the limits to his race assign' d. 
They honor her, and by their acts to-day, 
Her wise instructions faithfullj- repa^-. 
Obey her laws, her counsels fondly liear. 
And fearless champions in her cause appear; 
AVhile slie, rejoicing o'er her teaching's fruits, 
Her worthy pupils with a smile salutes. 



100 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

These were the men, wlieii storms around lier rose, 
Stern Massachusetts for her leaders choose ; 
Stern as herself — in laws and councils learn'd, 
Threats they contemn'd. and regal favors spurn'd. 

Ah, sacred soil ! 'twas on thy rugged straud, 
Our Pilgrim Su'es, a Heave n-dii'ected band, 
Woo'd Learning's beams around tlieir homes to shine. 
And in their rays erected Freedom's shrine 1 
Taught by her voice from infancy to age, 
No braver men illume a liist'ry's page ; 
No fairer daughters than thy blooming maids, 
With matchless charms, inspire their lovers' blades. 

Among thy sons, tho' all liad swifth^ sprung 
In glad obedience to a mother's tongue, 
This worthy choice unerring judgment made. 
And sternly here are thy commands obey'd. 
By thee empower'd, invested b^^ thy name, 
To plead thy cause, and shield thy spotless fame, 
Thej^ willnot fail ; but mth maternal pride. 
Canst thou thy honor to their care confide ; 
For bold tlie foe that dare a breast invade. 
In whose defense such heroes are array'^d. 

CXI. 

As they recede, with ardor-breathing pace, 

A second band supplies the vacant place ; 

And grandly moving up the silent aisle, 

With meins majestic to yon altar fil6. 

''But who are they? " From everj^ mental tongue 

This mute inquiry has already sprung. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 101 

Ah ! read that name; it to our quest replies, 
And gallant Bartlett prints in deathless dyes. 
Behold again ! Another sternly signs ; 
Lo ! Whipple's name in brilliant letters shines ; 
While last, not least, a free and gen'rous soul 
Graves Thornton there, on fame's immortal scroll ! 
*■• But whence come they? What favor' d spot of eaith 
Has been ennobl'd by such heroes' birth? " 
Look on those brows ! the truth is there unseal' d 
And Hampshire's heroes stand to us reveal'd. 
Wo other lands, save their own granite liills, 
On mortal's mein impress such iron wills. 

Bred to the chase, enur'd to dangers young. 
Where lurking foes from ev'ry coppice spi-ung; 
Inhaling air, whose vigorous bloom inspires. 
The bounding heart with Virtue's pure desires, 
As unconcern'd they thread the forest path. 
As they, undaunted, dare a monarch's wrath. 
Alike to them domestic peace and ease. 
AVhere social charms the captive senses please, 
The warlike camp, or battle's smoking plain, 
Whei*e havoc revels o'er tlie heaps of slain. 

They find their sphere with equal ease in all, 
The reeking field, or legislation's hall — 
Alike endow'd on one to wield the blades 
That Inu'l their foes to Lethe's gloomy shades, 
Or from the forum, sounding tyrants' knell, 
Enchant the ear with elocution's spelL 
Where they advance, resistance flies the field. 
Or raptur'd Senates to their logic yield ; 
Hence, on their power a threaten''d State relies, 
And to their talents for redress applies ; 



102 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Nov vain the trust — her foemen's thirsty blade,. 
Ere i-eachhig her's, must first then' breasts mvarle.. 
A danc^-rous task ! — Sheer steel as soon would shrink 
Back from the verge of dano-er''s darkest brink, 
As would those souls, enured to battle's toil,. 
Confess a fear, or from a foe recoil. 



CXII. 

What trembling form, with pale, secluded brow. 

Arising slowly, meets our vision now ? 

O ! can it be? Alas I has pallid fear 

At length intruded its vile presence here ? 

Do yonder limbs, that totter to the fane, 

A coward's heart reluctantly sustain? 

Ah ! no ; thank God ! our judgment deeply err'd. 

In passing sentence ere the proof was heard ! 

The answer comes, tho' cramp'd the letters are,. 

And fearless Hopkins stamps his signet there. 

'Tis palsy's power that racks the feeble frame, 

But brightly glo\vs his breast with duty's flame. 

His priceless worth, to his lov'd country known,. 

Has, like a beacon, in her councils shown ; 

And when the Fates still darker on her frown'd^ 

Again she turn'd where aid was ever found ; 

Nor turn'd in vain ; tho^ feeble is his arm. 

His words the wisest, with their wisdom, charm. 

So full they flow, so vigorous are their notes, 

Yet soft persuasion on each cadence floats. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 103 

CXIII. 

But not alone does he tlie burden bear ; 
Gi'eat Ellery's soul sustains an equal share ; 
Brave as his peer, and tirm as lie is weak. 
Preferring" deeds sliould for his ardor speak, 
In silence stern, that deepens to*a frown, 
He plucks a gem from England's starry crown. 

A gallant pair — most wortliy of the Isle 
That welcom'd Williams with a cordial smile, 
When persecution vainly sought to hind 
The lofty lliglit of his expansive mitid. 
Which soaring far o'er men's illiberal creed. 
Proclaim 'd that soil from vile i)roscription freed. 
Returning love whence he had hate receiv'd. 
He heal'd the grief of those who luid hhn griev'd, 
And gatherM there, in one great brotherhood. 
The learn'il and wise, the humble and the good. 
In such a land, pre-eminently great. 
Are those intrusted with a people's fate ; 
And nobly here, w^hile honors round them beam, 
Do they the pledges to their state redeem. — 

CXIV. 

Before the air can from that signet drink 
The liquid atoms of the sable ink, 
A sister state, and of the world a peer. 
Stands represented by lier ciiieftains here. 

Xor need we ask, from whence they come, nor where 
Gain'd thev that noble, self-reliant air; 



104 OUK CENTENNIAL. 

Their birthright that — inherited from those 
Who clar'cl a monarch and his host oppose, 
And for tlieir rights their martial ranks array'd, 
Wlien James tlie base, a tyrant's sceptre sway'd. 

Connecticut of such alone can boast. 
And in each warrior niartials half a host. 
Her Sherman, first in ev'ry danger's van, 
When wrong invades the vested rights of man, 
Steps to the front, and o'er the brilliant scene 
Imparts the lustre of his godlike mein. 

Succeeding him, with ardor unreprest. 
Great HuNTiNGTOisr receives the rich bequest 
From Freedom's hands, and pledges lionor, fame, 
To guard the treasure from a monarch's claim. 

Xor less than he, does fearless WtlliajNIS shovr 
His calm contempt for the advancing foe ; 
While WoLCOTT last, tho" equal in his zeal, 
To ev'ry pledge aflixes honor's seal. 

cxv. 

As they retire, and ere then- steps are still, 

York's ardent sons the vacant station fill. 

But who that chief? Does fear liis features pale? 

Or fierce disease his heaving breast assail ? 

It is not fear — within that bosom's cell 

Its shrunken form ne'er found a spot to dwell ; 

But turn'd and fled, bedazzled by the blaze, 

That Honor's breath feeds with its choicest rays. 

' Tis Livingston ! — Since Hudson's daring prore 
First cleft the tide that laves Manhatta's shore. 



OUR CEXTEXXIAL. 105 

That brilliant name, transmitted by a laee. 
Whose ancient deeds Britannia's annals grace. 
Has been transferr'd — unshadow'd by tlie stain 
That renders oft illustrious lin'age vain — 
From sire to son, each adding to the fame, 
Whicli from the father to the offspring came. 
Refined and learn'd by each succeeding age, 
Till all then- wisdom centers in tliis sage. 
Who. firm in heart, but weakenM by disease. 
That pales his brow, will soon his vitals seize. 
Still sternly holds approaching death at bay, 
To serve his country yet another day. 

CXVI. 

"Dear Friends and Peers I " — his tones are weak and 
low — 

Allow my voice in feeble words to flow : 

The time is brief — e'en liopes no more deceive — 

When I my seat within this hall must leave I 

Yes. I am doomed ! I feel the fatal chill 

Steal o'er my frame and thro' my pulses thrill. 

The curdling blood, now struggling thro* my veins 

In sloAV pulsations, ev'ry fibre strains : 

It soon must cease, and from my torpid heart, 

Will life, a captive to stern death, depart I 

But while I yet inhale tlie vital air. 

Let me commend you to our Maker's care ; 

Then I. unaw'd, my mission clos'd on earth. 

Will hale the advent of a brighter birth I 

O. look to Him. that source of ev'ry good. 

Who has unf alt "ring by His people stood I 



106 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

While standing here, prepar'd so soon to fall, 

Let me this promise to your hearts recall : 

' Rely on Me, when round your struggiing soul. 

Death's chilling shades their gloomy vapors roll !' 

Oh, blissful words ! Their import now I feel 

Within my soul, and o'er iJij senses steal, 

Empowering me triumphantly to sing, 

' Where, now, O Death I is thy inflictive sting !' 

And to the tomb, almost embracing me. 

To say, ' O Grave ! Avhere is thy victory !' 

Farewell, mj' friends ! accept my last adieu ; 
To-morrow's sun my breathless corse may view ! 
No more, jDcrhaps, at my dear country's call. 
From thoughts' weak portals will my accents fall ; 
But may this page, whereon I feebly trace 
A name, I trust, unblemish'd by disgrace, 
To her just cause my fond devotion tell, 
Till time itself repeats its last farewell !" 

CXVII. 

Again the tears those manly cheeks bedew, 

As they the calmly dying patriot view ; 

Warm tributes these — 'twas Virtue gave them birth- 

To that brave heart and its unmeasur'd worth. 

But who, while yet affection's truthful tears 

SutFuse his features, to our sight appears ? 

His air is such as grac'd undaunted Tell, 

When on his ear a tyrant's mandate fell ; 

His mien the same that mountain chieftain show'd, 

When sped his arrow on its airy road, 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 107 

Whose fateful fllg-ht. decreed by Gessler^-^ ire, 
Should pierce the son, or free tlie captive sire. 
The martial soul that blaz'd o'er Alpine liills, 
In Freedom's hall its second mission tills ; 
Its casket then was TelFs majestic frame ; 
From Lewis now its former o-lories Hame. 
Tho' one saw light amid the winding glailes. 
That ice-crown'd Blanc's untrodden region shades^ 
And one unclos'd the portals of his soul, 
Where stormy clouds o'er Snowdon's summit roily 
And ages spread their changes o'er the earth, 
Between the years that witness'd cither's birth, 
Yet each contour of that determin'd mien, 
Unites the two in one inseparate scene. 
Till, willing thralls, our minds are captives led 
To deem that his was the infantile liead, 
O'er which the dart, wing'd by a father's eye. 
With guiltless point was taught unstain'd to fly. 

CXVIII. 

Along the track advancing Time has made, 

Let mem'rj^ now one moment retrograde 

Back to the days, when Austria's barb'rous hordes 

In guiltless purple drench'd their merc'less swords.- 

On fam'd Geneva's bay-indented shore. 

Where Alpine streams their cooling tributes pour, 

Behold a scene that curdles to their source, 

The crimson streams that thro' our bosoms course i 

To yonder oak, majestical and strong, 

Lash'd by the foldings of a galling thong, 



108 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

A child in stature and a babe in age, 
Stands with the cahimess that becomes a sa<^e ; 
A tiny targe, snatch'd from yon pendent bough, 
Sits, scarce discern' d, upon his ruddy brow. 
While such resolves as win undjing fame, 
Blaze from his ej^es, and o'er his features flame. 
Far as a bow, eh'awn by an arclier's hands. 
Can urge a bolt, the captive father stands. 
Calm and serene, despite the fearful test, 
That would unnerve aught but that iron breast ; 
Hemm'd by his foes, who stand in circles round, 
To feast theu* fury on his spirit's wound, 
Point to the mark, and tauntingly exclaim, 
*' There is the targe, now try thy vaunted aim !" 

CXIX. 

Meanwhile a voice, tho' urg'd by tender lungs, 
Sounds o'er the scene with force of angel tongues : 
"Fear not, my sire ! — ah, that I need not say, 
Since Fear and thou art strangers to this day ; 
Ye never met ; that baleful spirit flies 
The daring soul that blazes from thy eyes — 
But seize thy bow, and from it launch the dart 
As thou, in sport, wouldst show thy matchless art ; 
Or in the chase, where oft the fleet gazelle. 
Or mountain boar beneath thy quarrel fell ! 
Where yonder hill its vine-clad summit rears. 
The tender author of my life appears ; 
Hei- troubled brow, despite her tranquil air, 
Betrays the weight her spirits firmly bear ; 



OUR CENTEXXIAL. 109 

Grief, fear, aiul hope, that mothers only know, 
Alternately thro' her fond bosom flow- 
Grief, that a foe's profaning foot invades 
Onr sacred hearths, and desecrates our glades ; 
Fear, lest my nerves, unstrengthen'd yet by age. 
May here disgrace my noble parentage ; 
Hope, that the blood I from my father heir. 
Will thro' this test her youtlif ul offspring bear ! 
She need not fear— to-day, in practice brought 
Shall be the precepts her dear lips liave taught ! 
Young as I am, no foeman's eye shall view" 
A recreant tear my infant cheeks bedew ; 
Xo torture's pang, inventive guilt can bring. 
Shall from this breast one note of anguish wrino- 1 
But when again, with all a mother's joy. 
In her fond arms she clasps her only boy. 
Maternal pride shall that warm bosom swell, 
Wliile she exclauns, 'Thou art the son of Tell V 
To higher fame my soul does not aspire, 
Than that conferral by 'Worthy of liis su'e !' 
Then Oraw thy aim, nor to our jeering foe, 
One quiv'ring muscle in thy featm-es show ! 

Thou lovest me— for not a passing hoiu-. 

But brings me proofs of love's devoted pow'r; 

And hard the task to thy paternal heart. 

Thus near my life to wing the doubtful dart ; 

But fate enjoins this trial of thy bow. 

And fate represses or permits the blow ! 

Then bravely here be her decrees obey'd, 

Xor think tliat I my lineage will degrade ! 

With eye undimm'd. unwav'ring at the sight, 

Will 1 observe thy arrow's rapid flight. 



110 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

And if I swerve before its deadly glare, 
I here renounce the title of thy heir !" 

cxx. 

That youthfid brow, expanded now by years 
To manlj" beautj', in our midst appears ; , 
The faitli that then liv'd in the father's skill, 
isTow draws nutrition from an iroinvill. 
For ao-es bred where Landaff' s hardy liost 
From Roman chains preserv'd their ruo-ged coast, 
Inhaling air that never nurs'd a slave, 
Brave Lewis' sires were of the bravest brave ; 
Nor does then- blood that has for ages run 
Without alloy, degenerate in the son ; 
Firm as his hills, unshalvcn as their base. 
His noble deeds exalt his ancient race, 

CXXI, 

Next on the scene the princely Floyd bestows 
The radiant light that from his presence flows ; 
Hail'd by his peers a pillar of their cause. 
They greet his coming with unfeign'd applause. 
Catch ev'ry sound, sweet vocal form of thought, 
And, willing students, from his lips are taught. 
Learn'd in the laws that Natm-e's self expounds, 
He limits life to their judicious bounds ; 
Defines the rights by them conferred on man, 
And by his walk approves theu- Author's plan : 
With pleasure, yields to Virtue's each demand, 
But crushes vice with an mispairing hand. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. Ill 

Rear'd from his birth, where restless oceans pour 
Tlieir constant rage on the restraining- shore, 
In early youth, 'twas his delight to urge 
His tiny shallop o'er the boiling surge. 
Eide for a moment on the billow's crown. 
Then in the gulf dart, like an arrow, down- 
One instant tost where, battling with the gale. 
To utmost tension swell'd his groaning sail ; 
The next, by waves enshielded from tlie blast, 
Its listless folds hung idly from the mast ; 
Again uplieav'd upon the billow's crest, 
Joy lill'd the heart exulting in his breast. 
He rode the waves as others back a steed. 
And gloried most when fleetest was their speed ; 
His bark the saddle, and liis helm the rein, 
His sail the spur that vex'd tlie bitted main. 

Maturer years instructive lessons taught. 
And observations wing'd expanding thought, 
Upbearing each where Reason's beamy liglit, 
With gentle force, unvails the student's sight. 
He saw the tides, tho' flexile as the air. 
The flinty basis of the cliff's impair- 
By constant war a certain conquest gain. 
Where stubborn steel exerts its force in vain. 
He watch'd the strife when, with a sullen roar, 
The baffled waves receded from the shore ; 
Saw them retreat, as shatter *d ranks retire 
Before the blaze of battle's with'ring fii-e; 
But disciplin'd in war's imperious school, 
They turn obedient to its I'igid rule, 
Condense their ranks, arrange their lines anew, 
Then o'er the dead their former path pursue ; 



112 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

So tm-n the waves, and, like a stubborn foe, 
With double rage repeat their fearful blow ; 
Eej)uls'd, they yield, but only to restore 
The energies they sternly spent before. 
Thus, day by day, no moment is so fleet. 
Bat sees the charge, or hears the hoarse retreat ; 
Tho' seeming vain, yet Time's extended sight 
Beholds the waves victorious in the liglit ; 
Their progress slow, but certain as the laws, 
That fall efl'ect succeeds producing cause — 
The granite yields before attrition's wear, 
As mortal minds beneath unceasing care. 

cxxn. 

Taught by the scene, that patience, time and toily 
Sabdae the proudest, and the strongest foil, 
He chose his path, took Virtue for his guide, 
Then fate and fortune both alike defled ; 
And ever on, his firm, unfalt'ring soul 
Pursu'd its progress to successes' goal. 
Kow stepping forth, and calling on His name, 
Whose soft rebuke can fiercest tempests tame, 
For wisdom's light the councils' steps to lead. 
He grasps the cares devolv'd by Freedom's Deed. 

Succeeding him, the courtly Morris rears 
His manly stature o'er surrounding peers ; 
Stern as the Fates, unyielding as their law, 
]S^o foemen daunt, and no menaces awe ; 
Bat fearlessly, and with a hero's air. 
He fills his post as only patriots dare. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 113 

CXXIII. 

From yonder banks, for g-rantlenr far renown'tl. 
Where Allan's peaks are dark with balsams croAvn'd, 
That plume their boughs in Hudson's mirroring tide, 
As his bright Avaves along their bases glide. 
And from the plains, whose far extended shore 
Keverberates Atlantic's ceaseless roar, 
At Freedom's cry — to them a holy call — 
To shield her bosom, or with her to fall, 
Responsively these daring heroes sprung, 
As lions spring to guard their tawny young. 
Most worthy thee, thou scarcely rival' d land, 
Where gen'rous harvests bless the tiller's hand ; 
Where men are brave, the women chaste and fair. 
And blooming vigor freights the balmy air. 
Lured by thy clime, from far less favor'd shores, 
Or banish'd thence, all nations seek thy doors ; 
Nor vain the quest — thy gen'rous hand extends. 
A cordial greeting both to foes and friends ; 
These share thy breast, become thy cherish'd heirs. 
And those thy sword o'er Lethe's current bears. 

cxxn^. 

From sacred fanes, mscribed to Heaven's king, 
In various tongues, to Him petitions spring ; 
And round the hearth, where social joys prevail, 
Or council halls, where public cares assail. 
Discordant sounds are mingled, mix'd, and taught, 
To jield expression to the bosom's thought. 



114 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

There Britain's sons, a brave and noble race, 
Who to four realms their hardy lin'ag-e trace, 
Meet those whose youth was pass'd beneath the vine, 
That pluni'd its tresses in the silver'd Rhine ; 
With Holland's sons, whose long and patient toil 
From i^Teptune'S sway redeeni'd their g-rateful soil; 
Witli the stern Swiss, who, on his native hills. 
Drank draughts of freedom from the crj^stal rills ; 
With the bold Frank, exil'd from sunnj^ Gaul, 
Brave on the field, and courteous in the hall ; 
With those who groan where Erin's broken lyre 
Sings mournful dirges when her chiefs exph-e ; 
With Scotlands clans, whose yet unconquer'd swords 
From their wild glens repell'd the Roman hordes ; 
With those who boast, with not un\\'orthy pride. 
Their fathers urg'd the May Flower o'ei" the tide, 
When her fleet wings the banish' d Pilgrims bore 
To build their altars on a foreign shore. 

All these, the best, the bravest of each clime, 
Array'd 'neath Justice when she wars with crime, 
Commingling here, fraternal fondness feel, 
And private gains subserve the public weal. 
Hence, at the first, when o'er their eastern skies, 
The crimson tints of gath'ring battles rise. 
No bosom shrinks, no features pale with fear, 
But brighter glow as draw the dangers near. 

cxxv. 

In choosing these— their merits prov'd before, 
When pond'rous burdens on the people bore — 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 115 

The public voice its just discHTiiiiKMit showed. 
And that its choice from wisdoin's soiu'ces flowed. 
Thej^ ne'er liad faii'd. with judgment most profound, 
To probe and lieal the public's deepest wound ; 
Xor will the}' now. tlio* rankling to the core, 
Is tiieir dear country's deeply fest'ring sore 
Tlieir healing toueh. applied with sootliing ait. 
Will to its depths its wondrous power's impart — 
Drain ichor's fount, and matter's putrid source, 
Till blooming health resumes its wonted course. 

CXXVI. 

As they retire, supreme in manly grace. 

Approach the chiefs of Jersey's ardent race ; 

'Mong mortal men, then* peers in worth and mien, 

Were ne'er, perhaps, save in this temple, seen ; 

And even here, wliere all are nobly grand. 

To none the second, Jersey's leaders stand. 

In Stockton's form, a sculptor's tutor'd eye 

Of warlike Mars a model would descry ; 

So stern his mien, so martial is his air. 

The god of battles seems embodied there. 

He marches on, uncheck'd in his career. 

O'er duty's path, contemning force and fear — 

Fear flies his step, resistance shrinks with dread, 

And force is trampled 'neath his angry tread. 

Admiring peers, by nature less endow' d. 

As round a father, to his standard crowd ; 

Each emulous his noble deeds to share, 

And of his labors equal burdens bear. 



116 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

CXXYII. 

A prophet" s form — like those mspk'dto warn 
Recusant nations of the Judg-ment morn, 
Wlien sins, conceal'd from mortals' feeble sight, 
Will be reveal'd by Heaven's researching light — 
By Stockton stands, as Mercy's pleading form, 
When Justice frowns, would half avert the storm. 
'Tis WiTHERSPOON, the learn'd, the good, the wise. 
Whose fervent prayers are incense to the skies. 
Indned with faith that not a sjDarrow falls. 
Save when the Author of existence calls. 
Relies on Him, as Israel's chosen guide, 
Great Joshua, upon His arm relied ; 
Yet, like that chief, he deems the hand of man, 
By zealous works, shonld aid his Maker's plan ; 
Hence, by his peers, but with a feeble frame, 
He treads the path of piety and fame. 
Three more advance, each seeming Freedom's base,. 
And for the strife tlieir martial bosoms brace ; 
Heroic Hart, conspicuous o'er the rest. 
Seems more than man, and more than mortal blest. 
On either hand, with strength and zeal elate. 
An ardent hero dares uncertain fate- 
Here, fearless Clark aspires to endless fame ; 
There, Hopkinson enrolls his deathless name. 

cxxYin. 

Fair Jersey's soil, whose charms allur'd the Swedes 
From their bleak hills, to roam her tlow'ry meads. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 117 

Is trod by none, sustains no recreant's life, 

Who sliriiilvs from death, or shuns impending strife. 

The}' stand array'd, embattled on her plains, 

Beneath a banner no dishonor stains ; 

And brighter still, as time impels its car. 

Shall beam the splendor of its rising star. 

CXXIX. 

Again a voice ! — it thrills our startled ears — 

*' Your country calls, but 'tis for volunteers ! 

Conscription's force indignantly she spurns, 

But to your love instinctively she tm-ns I 

Turns she in vain ? will you stand idh' by. 

And, unaveng'd, behold her bleed and die?" 

**• Xot while my lungs inhale her balmy breath ; 

Xot while this breast can ward the shafts of death; 

Not till this arm has lost its sldll to Avield 

A warrior's glave on battle's reeking tield ; 

ISTot while mj' tongue can for his suft"rings plead, 

Shall she unfriended nor unaided bleed I"' 

Burst forth in tones like those that rock the hills. 

When thunder's trump aerial regions tills ; 

And with the words, supreme in manly might, 

A statelj' figure rears its tow'ring height. 

Whose daring port the stern assurance sends, 

A land is sav'd when he its breast defends. 

'Tis Morris speaks, and from his ardent eyes 

A Briton's soul to Liberty replies : 

^'Within this fane, and on my bended knee, 

Each attribute I dedicate to thee I 



118 OUE CENTENNIAL, 

Accept them all, mj^ dj^iig breath commancTy 

And prove my love for my adopted land !" 

As some prond oak, king of the sylvan scenes, 

From winter blasts his weaker snbjects screens — 

Upon his trunk, deep rooted in the o-roimd, 

Keceives the shock, j^et stands without a wound, 

So he, between his countrj^ and her foes. 

The mighty egis of his bosom throws — 

Repels the darts directed at her life. 

And courts the post where fiercest glows the strife, 

cxxx. 

Ah, favor'd land ! where thy great founder's name 
Twines with thy glades, and mingles with thy fame, 
How have the Fates with bounties deign'd to bless 
Both youth and age, and crown them with success — 
Then, kindly nurs'd bj' tliy immortal sire, 
Whose peaceful mien disarm 'd the heathen's ire, 
Now, firmly guarded by thy children's blades, 
When war's red host thy gen'rous soil invades ! 
We've seen thy chiefs, thy great adopted sons, 
Who love th}^ bosom as their native ones — 
One weigh'd by years, and bent by pressing age, 
With youthful ardor in tliy cause engage ; 
Himself the sun upon whose beamy rays 
Admiring nations feast their ardent gaze. 
With kindred zeal, and with a stronger hand, 
In battle's list the other draws his brand, 
Prepar'd to act what Franklin''s years advise. 
And 'gainst the world contend for Freedom's prize. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 119 

Behind the chiefs, with imlor scarcely less. 
Close in tlieir rear, their bold associates press. 
Brave MoRTON feels, as he the foe descries, 
A warrior's spirit in his bosom rise. 
Strides sternly on, nor waits the war's advance. 
But Vainst the ranks impels liis skillful lance. 
Scarce flies the dart from his impetuous liand, 
Ere Rush and Clymer by the hero stand ; 
And pressing' on. with faith that patriots feel, 
Stern Smith and Taylor to their swords appeal ; 
AVhile fearless Ross by noble Wilson's side. 
Fills up the ranks great Franklin's talents guide. 



CXXXI. 

A sister State, of far inferior size, 
But equal fervor, to the call replies ; 
As dear their rights to her bold soldiers' hearts. 
As if her bounds embrac'd a thousand marts — 
As well thej'^ love- the country of their birth. 
As tho' her lines encircled half the earth. 
Yes, Delaware ! tho' narrow are thy bounds, 
Xo braver host a mother's form surrounds ; 
Rest thou in peace I The foe that thee invades, 
Is ever welcome to thy children's l)lades I 
Thin are thy ranks, yet courage th<M-e supplies 
What luunbers lack, and half the world defies ! 
Thy great McKean and thy still greater Read, 
Court danger's post, aud follow Rodney's lead I 



120 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

CXXXII. 

Sweet Maryland ! While gazing- o'er thy fields, 

Fond mem'ry's portal to thy beauty yields, 

Reflecting there the glories of the place, 

Where early dwelt the parents of onr race. 

Ere, lur'd forbidden attributes to win, 

They fell sad victims of deceitful sin. 

As Eden bloom' d, when the primevous da^vn. 

With dewy gems besprinkled vale and lawn. 

So bloom thy plains, and so the dew regales 

The llow'ry verdure of thy thousand vales. 

Congenial clime ! where Calvert's gen'i-ous mind 

Ordain'd all creeds should equal favor find — 

That on thj shores, unquestion'd and unsought. 

All men should worship as their conscience taught. 

Xo surpliced priests should o'er the simple Friend 

Distasteful rituals of their creed extend ; 

No shaven monk to pious churchmen say, 

'■' Observe our rules, and Romish forms obey ;" 

But each should live, by his benignant laws, 

Unquestion'd umpire of his spuit's, cause. 

Sprung from such sires, and nurtm-'d 'neath the sky, 

Before whose tints sin's vile promoters fly, 

Her gallant sons arouse at once in arms. 

From ravishers to guard their mother's charms. 

cxxxni. 

Firm as his name, unmov'd as marble hills, 
Immortal Stone liis lofty station fills. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 121 

Brave Chase succeeds, ami Paca's filial breast 

Glows with a zeal by dangers uiireprest ; 

Nor lingers Carroll in this vital hour. 

But wields his weapon with a statesman's pow'r; 

Then boldly adds — that England's liost may know 

Whose manly arm impell'd the vigorous bloAV — 

""Behold the man ! ISTow let your vengeance fall 

On me — on Charles of Carrollton's anci(MiT liall 

There liv'd my sires, whose deeds tliis land adorn, 

And there was I, of their pure linkage ]>oi'n I 

There, from their lii)s, in life's first opening years, 

Flow'd wisdom's tones to my eni'ai)tur''d ears. 

Instructing me, as they by sires were taught. 

A country claims our first, our ev'ry thought, 

WIk^u foreign foes her sacred lu'cast profane, 

Or civil strifes require subjection's rein. 

Our's calls on us ! — Her cries this hall pervade, 

And swell my voice while it implores for aid I 

Is vain the call? Shall tyrants' guilty hordes 

Pollute her soil, and idle hang our swords ? 

Mine is unsheath'd ; it springs those hordes to find ! 

The brave are her's, let recreants shrink behind !'* 

CXXXIV. 

Pause, gentle Muse ! Can e'en thy boldest strain 
These heights sublime successfully attain ? 
Does not an awe, ne'er felt by tliec 1)efori\ 
Suspend thy notes, when they attempt to soar? 
Thy powers must fail, bright as tlieir glories bi-am. 
In rendering justice to the coming tl; 'ir.^ I 



122 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Oft hast thou sung the deeds of martial lords, 
Crown'd Yntue's temples Mitli deserv'd rewards, 
Subdued the proud, the lowly kindly rais'd. 
Held crowds entranc'd when thou hast blam'd or 

prais'd ; 
But ne'er before, since thy celestial birth, 
Refin'd rude man, and charm'd the grateful earthy 
Hast thou essay 'd a task so seeming vain, 
As is the theme that now invites thy strain. 
Weak are thy hopes, yet better boldly fail, 
Than to despair, without resistance, quail. 

cxxxv. 

Virginia ! Did e'er a zephyr's wing 

Waft sweeter cadence from a lyric string ? 

Or mortal lips, since first they lisp'd a tone. 

Breathe forth a sound more lov'd or farther known? 

O, what a vast, an almost endless train 

Of pleasing mem'ries throng the wilder'd brain 

At thy dear name, the gift of England's queen, 

Whose virgin soul glow'd o'er her regal mien ! 

Thou wear' St it well ! — as she unrivaPd stands, 

So standest thou among surrounding lands — 

Pure as her breast, unsullied as her name. 

Thy honor glows upon the page of fame ! 

How art thou bless' d ! — In thy propitious clime, 

Spontaneous harvests ripen to their prime ; 

There, winter's snows before thy skies retire. 

And balmy breezes temper summer's fire. 

What brilliant names, flash' d on the reader's mind, 

Thy hist'ry's pen has on her page enshrin'd ; 



OUR CEXTEXXIAL, 123. 

So bright they gleam, so far o'er us aspire, 
They daze our vision ere we half aihiiire 1 

Lo! courtly RakMgivXeptuue's bravest Ivuiglit, 
Bursts, lil^e a meteor^ on our staitled sight, 
Ex|>hires thy glades^ and, in proplietie dreams, 
l>el»()lds thy greatness while he sails tliy streams;: 
And as his eye thy distant future scans. 
He sees unfolded Nature's wondrous plans, 
In rearing here, on thy prolific breast,. 
A miglity state with wisest rulers blest. 
But envions fate his ardent prayer denies,. 
And on the block a noble martyr dies.. 

CXXXVI. 

Along the track, left by his dai-ing prow, 
Newport and Gosnold spread their canvas now.. 
Bred on tlie waves, their ever restless souls 
Researched the tropics and explorM tlie poles, 
But deem'd thy clime, so soft^ serene,, and faiTy 
Exceird by none fann'd by terrestrijil air. 
With them the su-es of future heroes came. 
Whose might}' deeds a nation'"s i-)raises claim. 

A brilliant liost, engrav'd in. deathless lines, 
Along thy page in fadeless lustre shines. 
Endear *d to thee by ties that stronger grow. 
As in tlie past, time's ceaseless currents flow. 

CXXXVII, 

But o'er them all, while hi tliy infant days,. 
The deeds of one surpa.^^s all powers of praise ; 



124 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Lio-ht of her life — in early years her guide, 

The daring- Smith is yet Virginia's pride. 

His arm her shield thro' war and famine's strife ; 

His breast the fount that nm-s'd lier feeble life. 

■^ Twas he who aw'd the ruthless, savage clans, 

Crush'd and subdu'd sedition's guilty plans ; 

Repress'd the strong, sustain'd the poor and weak, 

And painted healtli on famine's ghastly cheek. 

His daring keel was first to boldl}^ ride 

The lumdred streams tliat tlu'o' thy vallej's glide; 

He roam'd her hills, her fertile vales explor'd. 
And laid his tribute on her savage horde. 

Entwin'd with his, sweet soother of his care, 

Another name, the Forest Queen's, is tliere. 

Whose tender arms, with filial fondness, prest 

His drooping forehead to her virgin breast. 



cxxxYin. 

Awake my harp ! let ev'ry dulcet string, 
Inspir'd by thee, with joyous rapture, spring ! 
■Child of the wood ! in heathen ignorance bred, 
Thy innate virtues far their fragrance shed ! 
O'er all the land, from Alghan's rocky sides, 
To yonder cliffs that curb Atlantic's tides, 
They softly stole, unconscious as the dew, 
In brutal hearts that naught of mercy knew. 
And brought to light, by their inspiring force. 
Unbidden tears from an unwonted source. 

O, lovely Maid ! thou sweet, uncultur'd flow'r, 
Vicegerent here of the eternal Pow'r, 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 125 

Who breatli'd in thee a spirit that could awe 
The flinty hearts that seoird at Mercy's law, 
Tho' thou art gone, that spirit j'et remains 
Bi-io-ht guardian genius of thy native plains ! 

All ! yes, sweet Child ! that peerless soul of thine. 
As years recede, shall with new glories shine ; 
Its stamp remains — on manlj" foreheads glows, 
As thro' their veins thy queenly purple flows, 
That to all time shall leave its impress here, 
And future millions thy dear name revere ! 

Th}' ardent soul, berpK-atli'd to worthy heirs, 
Its happy presence in our midst declares, 
Lives in these hearts, unyielding failh sustains, 
And poiu's its fervor thro' their swelling veins ! 

CXXXIX. 

Behold, they come ! — Oppression, yield thee now. 
And thy presumption to these heroes bow ! 
Thy doom is seal'd , thy future fate is read, 
And Idngdoms tremble at their angry tread ! 

Since fii'st suspended in its wonted place, 
Earth ne'er was trodden by an ecxual race ; 
For Xature seem'd, since first she mode I'd man, 
Acquiring practice in some wondrous ])lan. 
Where ev'ry grace of feature and of mind. 
Should, in a few, be happily combin'd. 
Success attends, and with an artist's pride. 
She from her labors draws the vail aside. 
When, lo I a sight that ev'ry sense absorbs, 
Bursts on our view, and dazes vision's orbs ! 



126 OUE GJENTEN^'IAL. 

Her masterpiece — for she. with all her arts, 
'No two has form'd exact in all tlieir parts — 
Awes e'en herself; she stands in mute surprise, 
To see that model f rs^m her inatrice rise ; 
So 3ust, so i>Tand, tliat her exactiiiii' law 
0^vns nothing lacking, nor reveals a tlan' ; 
August his form, in all his wa}'s supreme. 
He moves, he lives, admiring nation,-' theme, 
Oharm'd with the fane, all virtues gather there. 
And with pure wisdom that grand lemplf share. 
But he. at Dutj^'s ne*er-unan>wered call. 
For battle's tield has left the council hall, 
Alike endow'd to charm a Senate's oar. 
Or bleeding squadrons to the conflict cheer. 
Thus summon'd hence to guide embattled lines, 
To other hands his duty he assigns ; 
But leaves a void untiird b}' any here^ 
Por he exists without an earthly iieer ; 
Yet are the cares on able statesmen thrown, 
Exceird by him — by him surpassed alone- 
ExcelPd alone by Vernon's Chief, if true, 
Is all the praise to sliij mortal due ! 

CXL. 

Oreat Jefferson, his country's light and life. 
Shines in the front, and dares the doubtful strife ; 
Exhorts his peers — superfluous are his words. 
Where all stand ready to unsheath their swords. 
Swift they respond, and to that altar move, 
With step and mien that their high lin'age prove. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 127 

First, from the banks where York's deep current pays 

His ani])]e tribute to the Queen of Ba\'s, 

A eliieftain comes, who, tow'rino- in the van. 

Tho' not inunortal, yet seems more than man, 

So tirm liis step, so princely are liis ways. 

And sucii tlie light that o'er his featiiivs plays, 

'Tis Xelson's step, and his the martial frame, 

Xo toils can weary, no disasters tame. 

O'ei' all his mien, as he the squadron leads. 

Behold the presage of immortal deeds I 

Few are his words ; but from a patriot's soul. 

With steely sternness thro' this temple roll : 

'•' May Heaven's Judge, who reads each mortal's breast, 

The solemn pledge, recorded here, attest I 

And as 1 deal, dear Freedom I here with thee, 

So may His laws condemn or prosper me !" 

CXLl. 

Ere floats that vow beyond our ravisli'd ears, 
In yon arena either Lee appears. 
To duty moves, as move the Libyan kings, 
"VYlien thro* their lair the hunters' challenge rings; 
Untaught to yield, untutor'd how to bend. 
They on their foes resistlessly descend. 
Sprung from the loins of an undaunted race, 
Whose brilliant deeds our country's annals grace, 
Brave as their sires, now either champion throws 
His pledge of battle to his vaunting foes : 
**Base myrmidons I there lies our honor's gage, 
Tlmt to the death will we this combat wage I 



128 OUR CEXTENNIAL. 

Choose ye what arms 5^011 raaj" desu'c to wield^ 

Appoint the hour, and designate the field ; 

We meet you there, Avill one or all engage, 

Demand no names, nor ask your lineage ! 

Alike to us is midnight-s sombrous haze, 

The rosy dawn, or noon's resplendent hlaze — 

The forest path, where lurking treason springs. 

Or treeless plains where equal combat rings — 

The trenchant blade, the bullet or the spear, 

The nameless soldier, or the kingly peer ! 

We clioose our Queen ; celestial is hei' birth, 

But cliristen'd Freedom by the sons of earth; 

We ev'ry virtue, whatsoe'er its name, 

An attribute of oiu- dear mistress claim. 

Upon her cheek the rival roses vie 

To tint the lilies with tlieir purple dye ; 

Love lights her orbs, and from their azure shrine, 

Beams on her kniglits a radiance divine. 

Flows from her lips, Avithin her tresses plays, 

And crowns her temples with refulgent bays. 

On either side, awaiting her commands, 

A radiant daughter by the mother stands ; 

Kesplendent Peace her tranquil gifts imparts, 

And blooming Plenty heaps a thousand marts. 

Such is our Queen, and all who dare deny 

A single charm, shall 'neath oin- sabres die ; 

Or our own breasts, if so the Fates decide. 

With purple streams shall tincture Lethe's tide !" 

CXLIL 

True chivalry, with ev'ry courteous clause, 
In them embodies her benignant laws, 



OUK CENTENNIAL. 129 

Wlicrc all may read, as on a letterM piige, 
TIk? loft)'' code tliat rulM a former age. 

Oil l)raver men, no dedicating blade 
Has e'er conferral the knightly accolade, 
Than when in Virtne's consecrating hand, 
On these descended her ennobling brand. 
Devoted thns b}^ solemn vows and rites, 
Enjoin'd by Honor on her ciiosen knights, 
Tiiese ever stand, prepar'd witli life and blade, 
To shield tlie lielpless, and the feeble aid — 
Ivedress tlieir wrongs, inherent rights restore. 
And banish want from famine's needy door. 

iSTor less than tlieirs, to act a knightly part, 
Bonnds in his breast immortal Braxton's lieart ; 
Rons'd by their words, but by examples more. 
He bravely follows where the boldest soar; 
While Wythe the just, and Harrison the stern, 
Witli kiniU'ed ardor for distinction burn ; 
All move as one, no rivalry they feel. 
Save who shall l)est subserve the public weal. 

These are the men, a country to requite, 
Who pledge their sabres, and their honor plight, 
Devote their lives, their fortunes, and their all. 
In fond obedience to a mother's call. — 

CXLHI. 

Yet nearer where fierce; Sol's absorbing beams 
Drink half the volumes of the tropic streams, 
Had Liberty, before this vital hour, 
In secret birth, pro(luc\l au infant pow'r, 



130 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Whose graceful form, developing with time, 
Attain'd a presence peerlessly snblime ; 
Tlien stepping forth, diff'as'd on ev'ry hand, 
A beamy radiance o'er a fetter \1 land. 

Men gaze in awe, yet on affection's wings 
Their ravish'd love, to greet the seraph, springs ; 
They welcome her as tliose on famine's shore, 
Would hail the barlv that swells with plenty's store, 
Press to her side, drink in iier ardent words, 
And to her service dedicate their swords. 

CXLIV. 

Sweet Mecklenburg ! — Save Vernon's worship 'd glades, 
]^o dearer name a patriot's ear pervades ! 
Thygen'rous breast first open'd to receive 
The lonely stranger, and her wants relieve, 
ISTurs'd her to strength, wept o'er and sootli'd her woes, 
Till from thy arms a blooming Goddess rose. 

Supreme she stood ; — first turn'd and fondly blest, 
With filial warmth, her foster-mother's breast ; 
Then her sweet tones, expanding from thy bounds, 
Thrill'd sister states with their enchanting sounds, 
Flow'd softly o'er proud wealth's imposing domes, 
As sweetly fell on less pretentious homes ; 
Stole thro' the portals of the lowlj^ shed. 
Where indigence its scanty couch had spread — 
All hear her voice, its melody admire, 
And her sWeet presence in tlieu- homes desire. 

Thus here to-day, 'mong this distinguish'd band, 
Proud ISTorth Car'lina's brave defenders stand. 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 131 

Chief Hooper first, descendant from a line, 
Round whose escutcheon lionors fondlj' twine, 
Incas'd l)y Faith in her imperv'ous mail, 
Ijay.s hfe and sword in battle's doubtful scale. 
Like belted knight, with banneret disjjlay'd, 
On either side attends a faithful aid, 
Moves as he moves, and with his leader shares 
His arduous toils, his dangers, and his cares; 
Here, Honor's heir, the stern, but courtly Hewes 
Th(^ path of glory ardently pursues,; 
There gallant Penn, aspiring to renown, 
Wreathes for his temples an immortal crown. 

CXLV. 

Brave men are they, and strong will be the foe, 
If such as they their vested rights forego. — 
Forego their rights I — As soon would ocean's tide. 
At man's behest, to placidness sul^side; 
As soon wonld Earth aud sister i)lanets run 
Their orbits counter to the parent sun. 
As would such men before a foe retire, 
Tho' in their faces roll'd a sea of fire ; 
Still thro' the flames, and o'er the boiling surge. 
Would they, unaw'd, the car of vict'iy urge, 
TUl Fate herself, with half reluctant hands. 
With full success should crown their gleaming brands. 

CXLVI. 

Yet not alone are they iudulg'd to claim 
The blooming laurels of impartial fame ; 



132 OUa CENTENNIAL. 

A sister state, that brightest star of earth, 
Demands the rights coiiferr'd by equal birth* 
To plead lier cause, lier advocates appear, 
And foemen tremble while her friends revere. 

Beliold her sons I — deserving of a state, 
Wliere all are good, as they are brave and great ; 
They aslv for naught, from neitlier weak nor strong, 
But what is Just — from none will brook a wrong. 
Quick to resent opprobrious deed or word, 
Each wears his life suspended bj'- his sword ; 
Yet none so free forgiveness to extend, 
Or to a foe award a just amende. 
When Honor's law, their lives'' unerring guide, 
Is f ranldj^ met and promptly satisfied ; 
And none so soon their ready sabres draw 
To shield the helpless, or sustain tlie law. 

O'er all their land, the doors of each abode 
Greet ev'ry guest by chivahy's gen'rous code ; 
No stranger turns, or be he low or great, 
Unwelcom'd from theu- ever open gate ; 
But all, receiv'd by Jjospitable rites. 
Win and confer reciprocal delights. 

From their proud hearts no servile homage springs 
For all the pomp surrounding sceptred kings ; 
But loving worth, are to its service bound. 
If in a i^alace or a cottage found. 

Enslave such men ! — such souls as theirs subdue ! 
Obscure as soon yon glorious orb from view ; 
Veil yonder stars — forbid tlieir liglit to shine ; 
With gossamer the angry seas confine ; 
Kepress the storm, unbridled winds I'estrain, 
But think not tlien these spirits to enchain ! 



OtJli CENTENNIAL. 133 

Let earth and sea, concent'i-in;^- ;ill their rage, 
Perpetual war against siicli li(M-oes wage; 
[Tnfctter tlanie, bi;l famine gaunt and })al(', 
Invade their eountiv, and their homes assail, 
Bnt still mimov'd, unshaken by a fear, 
Will Soutli Car'lina's champions appear ! 

CXLVII. 

There stands her chief, emliodying in liis form. 
The soldier, statesman, friend, and patriot warm ! 
Lool< on that port ! — E'en hi're, among siieh men, 
AVho gazes once, will tnrn to loolc again ! 
Each move attracts, each sentence of liis tongue 
Has from the depths of Wisdom's fountain sprung. 
And falling here so eloquently stern, 
That all to Rutledge for instruction tm-ii. 

Around him stand — as round the i^arent vine, 
Its lusty boughs their tendrils fondly twine — 
Ilis n.h]o peers, whose ardent bosoms swell 
To (Muulate, or e'en their chief excel. 

Fast by his side, tliat first of courteous knights, 
Inuiiortal IIeyward, life and honor pliglits; 
On either liand, or stately Linch appears. 
Or MiDDLETON his noble presence rears. 

On tlieir bold brows, as on tlie page of fate. 
Is deepl}' stamp'd tlie future of their state — 
Tho' on her hills, war's beacon flashes higli, 
Tlio' in her vales, her murder'd children lie, 
Yet vengeance comes, descending on her foes, 
And these tlie hands that deal tlie fatal blows. — 



134 OUil CENTENNIAL. 

CXLVUI. 

With g-en'rous zeal, her bleedmg friends to aid, 
iSTow youthful Georgia bares her maiden blade, 
And stepping fortli, demands with martial pride, 
Her rightful station by her sisters' side. 
Tho' few the years tliat o'er her blooming head, 
Have in tlie past, on rapid pinions fled. 
Yet is she sldll'd, be3^ond her tender age, 
By past events, to read the Future's page. 
She sees the signs appearing in her sides, 
Witli all tlie prescience of prophetic eyes ; 
The lines are there, with crimson shaded o'er, 
Portending danger to lier \argin shore. 

Forewarn 'd, she stands among her older peers, 
Their valoi-'s equal, tho' far less her years. 

In G-winnet's liand lier banner she unfurls, 
And battle's challenge to invasion hurls; 
She dares the charge, she even courts the strife. 
With all tlie fervor of exuberant life. 
Around her chief, with him co-equal heirs 
Of endless fame, and partners of his cares, 
Stand Hall, and AValton, in whose bosoms runs 
The ardent blood of Freedom's bravest sons. — 

CXLIX. 

The ranks are fill'd : — around our country's shrine, 
These last unite and blend the martial line, 
Till Avhat began in Hampshire's rugged vales, 
Extends where Georgia breathes the tropic gales ; 



OUR CENTENNIAL. 135 

Tlien circlinjjj back, the distaiu sisicrs chisp 
Their pli;:^hte(1 hands hi friendship > zealous orasp. 

As lightiiiiii^'s ehild. aloni>" the sleiuler i;irth, 
Leaps ihro' the ether ami eiicireles earth, 
Ourstrip.s the wheels with sohii- radianee fraught. 
And f<)lh>ws close the rapid car of thought. 
So, tlu'o" this chain, forg'd b}' celestial art. 
Love, Faith, and Dut}', spring from heart to heart, 
Give ^veakness strength, to fear stern courage lend. 
And into one, ten thousand spirits blend. 

CL. 

As on the Deed fair Georgia sets her seal, 
Forth from these portals notes of gladness ])eal ; 
Then fondly caught by yon responding bell. 
Its brazen tongues the grateful tiilings swell. 
Far o'er the hills, in deep sequester' d dells, 
Tiieir mighty voice of our salvation tells. 
Hark to the sound I — How it the tiat rings. 
And o'er this land, redeenfd from bondage, sings ! 
It onward rolls where snowy mountains rise, 
It spreads away to balmy south<'rn skies ; 
It echoes thro* the Orient's spicy vales. 
Then thunders back from Arctic's icy dales. 

CLI. 

'*Yom* country bleeds ! — To arms, ye l)rave, to arms I 
Let not the foe defloin* a mothei-'s charms ! " 
Swift spreads tiie call — the winds' iud)ri(iled steed 
Lends its tieet wings to give the mission speed. 



136 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

Tlie morning sun, until it glances Maine, 

Hears not the tenor of the loud refrain ; 

Yet while his steeds a moment pause to lave 

Their glowing flanks in cool Potomac's wave, 

Lo I on their ears, flung from celestial lialls, 

That Avarning note, increased in volume, falls; 

And ere their iioofs invade the western main. 

The warlike Georgians answer to the strain ; 

And springing up, as tlio' the teeming eartli 

This moment travails with an armj-'s birth, 

A mighty host, rous'd by their country's grief, 

Unsheath theii- blades and follow Vernon's Chief. 

cm. 

Now sombrous night lets down his sable screen, 
The rolling earth and blazing sun between, 
And as recede the rays of solar tire, 
Our Fathers' spirits from this fane retire. 
The}' left the sides, responsive to oiu- prayers,^ 
To seal once more their gifts to grateful heirs, 
Re-plight their faith, and in our raptur'd view, 
Their former vows and solemn rites renew. 

Their mission till'd, their loving labors o'er, . 
Their forms return to yonder starry sliore — 
Just as they came, with th"m and stately pace, 
So they depart with more than mortal grace ; 
But as they go, on eacli celestial mien, 
A look of love is for their chihh'en seen ; 
Tliey wave their hands, smih? one last, fond adieu, 
Then in the ffloaminji- vanish from our view I 



OUR CEXTEXXIAL. 13' 

Xor ne'er again will we their presence see. 
Till on our vision beams Eternity, 
And thro' its srates. our souls, releas'd from «'artli. 
Shall liail the advent of a brighter birth ! 

Then let us here, by Vutue's rules, prepare 
To meet the -spirits of our Fatliers there, 
And fi'om tlieir lips this cordial welcome claim : 
•'Ye are our Sons, and worthy of our name I " 

CLin. 

A cent'ry hence, as we liave seen tliem now, 
Will they again around this altar bow, 
If Freedom's shrine our children's children guard, 
.ind o'er lier treasures iiold unceasing ward I 
But if you fail, the God'less of our Sires. 
Within your Ian;!, will quench lier vestal tires — 
Will leave tliis eartli. or to some worthier shore 
Transfer her treasures, and her shrine restore I 

Xor will you see, on your Cextexnial, morn, 
Tlieir spirit forms tlii< ruin'd fane adorn; 
But they, with tears, will j'om- neglect deplore, 
And to disunion give your country o'er I 

CLIV. 

O I heed the woi'ds that, from my inmost soul. 
Rise to my lips, and flow without control I 
A few more j'ears— it may be only days — 
And I must thread dark Lethe's devious maze, 
Drink of her streams, be on her billows tost ; 
Loose mem'ry there — be here to mem'ry lost ; 



^ 



138 OUR CENTENNIAL. 

But ere that time — or far, or near the hour, — 
One earnest prayer 1 leave our children's dower : 
As Thou. O God I didst bless Thy chosen ones ; 
As Thou hast bless'd their less deserving sons, 
IjCt added blessings from Thy bounties rest 
On future guardians of dear Freedom's breast ! 
Teach them her worth, instill this lesson, too, 
That, next to Thee, Allegiance is her Due ! 

CLV. 

A cent'ry hence, O Dwellers of that age I 
If then survive the measures of this page, 
And ye are worthy to involve the Sires, 
Whose priceless gift my falt'ring harp inspires, 
Let tliem once more, within this temple raise 
Their feeble strains in our ancestors' praise ! 
Receive them then, wlu^u low shall lie my head, 
A heart-felt tribute from the grateful dead I 



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